Box Score Despite a career night from third-year forward Sarah Bennett, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues fell just short versus the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks, dropping a Friday-night (Nov. 24) thriller 69-67 at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.

The Blue and White came out on fire in the first quarter with a stifling defence and dominant post game. U of T outscored the Golden Hawks 8-0 on turnovers, while also producing 14 points in the paint in the opening frame.

It was down low that Bennet shined, picking up a first half double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds en route to setting new career high's with 18 points and 16 rebounds on the night. Thanks to the strong play inside, Toronto carried a 39-31 lead into the half.

However, Laurier scoring leader Nicole Morrison brought her team back after the halftime break as both a scorer and facilitator. With the Blues keying on Morrison, who just set a Laurier record with 37 points in her previous game, the Golden Hawks were able to outscore the Blues 17-10 in the third, and use an early 14-8 fourth-quarter run to jump ahead 62-57 with just three minutes remaining.

From their the game went back-and-forth as both teams produced thrilling shot after thrilling shot. Following a missed free throw from Morrison in the closing seconds, Toronto had the final opportunity but were unable to find an answer.

Varsity Blues guard Keyira Parkes led U of T on the night with 19 points, including three timely shots from behind the arc. Meanwhile, fifth-year guard Rahshida Atkinson rounded out the Blues double-digit performances, recording a double-double of her own with 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.

Morrison led all players on the night with 20 points, adding five rebounds and three assists.

The Varsity Blues will look to rebound tomorrow night as they welcome the Waterloo Warriors to Goldring Centre for a Saturday night showdown. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the game also being streamed live on OUA.tv.

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