In an exciting Saturday (Nov. 18) afternoon road contest, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team nearly upset the undefeated TMU Bold, coming up just shy in a hard fought 81-79 loss.

Following several slow starts offensively this season, the Blues turned their fortune around at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, putting together a full four quarters shooting an impressive 50 percent from the field, while nailing nine three-point field goals. A late third quarter surge from third-year guard Kaylee Williams allowed Toronto to remain even with TMU after three quarters of action, while a last second rebound and layup from third-year forward Sabrina Nero tied the game 79-79 with under a minute remaining. However, the Bold were able to add two more made free throws to their 32 free throw attempts (11 more than the Blues) on the day to squeak out the two-point victory.

Nero was instrumental in the Blues success, securing her first double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes of action. Blues veteran guard Ellen Ougrinov tallied a team-high 21 points, while first-year standout Raya Hafez served as a facilitator with seven assists along with her 13 points scored. Williams rounded out the double-digit scoring performances for U of T finishing the night with 12 points going 5-for-5 from the floor, including 2-for-2 from behind the three point line.

Kaillie Hall was pressed for the Bold, responding with a game-high 24 points in the victory, while adding four rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Still searching for their first win of the 2023-24 OUA campaign, the Blues will have their next opportunity at Yoirk when they face the Lions on Friday, Nov. 24. An early tip-off, action is scheduled to start at 11 a.m., with the game also available to stream online at oua.tv.