Box Score Nicki Schutz recorded a season-high 28 points as the No. 7 Varsity Blues women’s basketball team handily defeated the Queen’s Gaels 82-48 in their fourth annual Cheer Blue, Think Pink game on Saturday night at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

The win marks Toronto’s fourth straight. The Blues improve to 11-4 and remain two points behind the first-place Carleton Ravens, while the Gaels drop to 3-12 and sit in sixth in the OUA East division.

A Toronto native, Schutz added a team-high seven boards to her game-leading point tally. The fifth-year forward also knocked down a season-high three three-pointers on the night.

Veteran guard and Brampton, Ont., native Sherri Pierce had eight points, seven assists and three steals, while Erin McNeely of Kingston, Ont., also had eight points in the win.

The Blues got off to a slow start, trailing the Gaels 8-3 in the opening minutes of the contest. U of T came back towards the end of the first quarter, taking a lead that would not diminish for the remainder of the game.

Leading 32-25 at halftime, the Blues opened the game up, outscoring the Gaels 50-23 in the second half to come away with the lopsided win.

Queen’s was led by Brittany Moore’s 11-point performance, with Liz Boang chipping in with 10. Jill Wheat recorded seven points and seven boards in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Friday, January 28 when they host the York Lions at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

GAME NOTES:

Varsity Blues dual-sport athlete Emily Roy cut her hair during halftime in support of the Cheer Blue, Think Pink initiative.

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