The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team lost 65-61 against the Western Mustangs on Friday (Jan. 12) evening at Alumni Hall in London, Ont. 

Competing in their first road game of the new year, the Blues started out the game strong holding a ten-point lead by the end of both the first quarter (23-13) and at the half (42-32). A back-and-forth second half, the Blues were buoyed by their efficiency in the game shooting nearly 40 per cent from the field, and finishing 10-for-18 from behind the three point line. However, a late surge from the Mustangs courtesy strong play in the paint, combined with 28 total trips to the free throw line for the home side allowed for Western to slip ahead of Toronto for the four-point victory.

Leading the Blues offence, fifth-year guard Ellen Ougrinov tallied a team-high 28 points, including shooting 8-for-12 from beyond the arc. This marks a new season-high for Ougrinov who has now tallied 20 or more points in seven games this season so far. Additionally she added seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in her 39 minutes of play.

Adding offence off the bench, fourth-year forward Thuraya Abdul Hamid chipped in with eight points on the night, while third-year guard Gabrielle Reed led the Blues on the boards with eight rebounds.

MacKeely Shantz stood out for the Mustangs in the win, registering a game-high 33 points, including a 10-for-12 night at the free-throw line. 

Up next, the Blues face off against the Windsor Lancers tomorrow (Jan. 13) night to wrap up their away game journey. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. The action will be streamed online at oua.tv.