Erin McNeely hit two key free throws with five seconds left as the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team pulled out the 69-66 victory over the York Lions at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym on Friday, Feb. 12.
Nicki Schutz (Toronto) led all players with 25 points, including a jumper with 1:37 left that pushed the Blues lead to three. The OUA’s third-leading scorer then assisted on Amanda Lum’s (Markham, Ont.) three-pointer to give Toronto an eight point cushion with under a minute remaining in regulation.
With their backs against the wall, York’s rookie guard Emily Pangos (Holland Landing, Ont.) rallied the visitors for a second time as she nailed one of her four three-point shots – she was 4-of-5 on the night – to bring the Lions to within five, 67-62.
After two Brittany Szockyj free throws, Nadia Qahwash (Kitchener, Ont.) got the ball back off of a Blues turnover and knocked down a jumper while being fouled. Qahwash completed the three-point play to pull York to within one with eight seconds left on the clock.
On the ensuing Toronto inbounds, McNeely was fouled by Kate Mowat (Whitby, Ont.), calmly stepped to the line and drained both free throws.
McNeely of Kingston, Ont. and fourth-year forward Megan Stoncius of Mississauga, Ont. each tallied 11 points and six rebounds apiece in the win.
For the Lions, Szockyj (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.) led the way with a team-high 22 points, while Mowat had a game-high 15 rebounds. Pangos chipped in with 14 of her own and also had three assists.
After a dismal shooting performance by both teams in the first half, Toronto came out in the final two quarters and shot 47% from the floor, including 50% from beyond the arc, and they were near perfect at the line, hitting 12-of-13 free throws.
The Blues (10-11) are back on the court tomorrow night when they take on the 12-and-9 Laurentian Voyageurs. Tip off 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.
