Despite a solid first half, uOttawa’s 28 third-quarter points would ultimately be the demise of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team, who fell 69-57 to the Gee-Gees on Saturday, January 30 at Montpetit Hall. 

The Blues drop to 7-11 on the season and are in sixth place, while the Gee-Gees improve to 10-8 and sit tied for fourth with the Ryerson Rams in the OUA East division. 

Both teams went back-and-forth with the Gee-Gees holding a slight 15-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. Toronto turned it up in the second quarter and the tables were flipped as the Blues held a three-point advantage (28-25) at the half. 

The Blues maintained a slight lead throughout the majority of the third frame, however, the Gee-Gees went on a late run and, led by Melina Wishart’s (Ottawa) 13 third-quarter points, earned a 53-45 advantage heading into the fourth. 

Despite a valiant effort, the Blues were unable to fight back as the Gee-Gees lengthened their lead for a 12-point victory. 

Nicki Schutz (Toronto) led U of T with 15 points and 10 boards, while Erin McNeely (Kingston, Ont.) and Megan Stoncius (Mississauga, Ont.) also reached double digits, with 13 and 14 points, respectively. 

OUA leading scorer Hannah Sunley Paisley led all players with an impressive 30 points and nine boards, while Wishart accumulated 16 points in the victory. 

The Varsity Blues return to action next Friday, February 6 when they host the RMC Paladins at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.