Box Score The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat the No. 8 Ottawa Gee-Gees 52-45 on Friday, January 17 at Montpetit Hall.

After an 0-6 start to the season, the Blues have won six of their last seven regular season games and now holds a 6-7 record in fourth place in the OUA East division. It also marks Toronto's first win over Ottawa since Feb. 12, 2011.

Fourth-year guard Jill Stratton of Etobicoke, Ont., led all players with 19 points, while fellow veteran Rachael Sider (New Westminster, B.C.) added nine points and seven boards.

Vanessa Brathwaite had six points and eight boards, while Liane Bailey notched six points in the win.

Down 16-10 after the first quarter, the Gee-Gees extended their lead, thanks to six quick points from Stephanie McDonald, and built a 29-18 lead at halftime.

Sider notched seven points in the third quarter to lead a huge Toronto rally, which saw the Blues outscore the home team 18-8. U of T led 37-36 heading into the final frame.

Ottawa opened the fourth on a 6-0 run, but Stratton responded with and 11-point fourth quarter to give the Blues the lead for good. The Gee-Gees attempted to rally, but a Liane Bailey jumper restored a five-point lead in the dying minutes to secure the win.

Ottawa was led by Angela Tilk's double-double of 14 points and 12 boards, while McDonald added 11 points in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow as they take on the Carleton Ravens in Ottawa. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

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