The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team secured a dramatic 61-60 victory over the Lakehead Thunderwolves in a tightly contested matchup on Saturday (Feb. 8) night. The Blues displayed resilience and teamwork, rallying together to clinch the win in the final moments of the game.
From the opening tip-off, both teams fought hard, trading baskets and defensive stops throughout the game. Toronto managed to shoot 41.7% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only three of 13 three-point attempts. The Blues controlled the boards, out-rebounding Lakehead 34-22.
Three Blues recorded double-digit points, as Alex Jaglall (12), Raya Hafez (11), and Zi Yang Wang (10) helped the Blues earn their second win of the season. Hafez, a second-year guard, led the Blues with an impressive all-around performance, adding nine rebounds and three assists to her 11 points. Fifth-year forward Thuraya Abdul Hamid contributed nine points, eight rebounds, and a team-high five assists, playing a crucial role in facilitating the offense. Off the bench, third-year forward Jaglall was a spark plug for Toronto, scoring a new career-high of 12 points after setting her previous career-high of 11 last night. Jaglall shot an efficient 5-for-6 from the field while adding three rebounds. Rookie forward Zi Yang Wang provided a strong interior presence, tallying 10 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, anchoring the Blues defense down low. Fourth-year guard Kaylee Williams also made key contributions, chipping in seven points and grabbing four rebounds while sinking all three of her free throw attempts.
The final minutes of the game were tense, with both teams exchanging crucial baskets. A late three-pointer by Jaglall gave the Blues the edge they would not relinquish, and a last-second defensive stand by the Blues prevented Lakehead from regaining the lead, securing Toronto's hard-fought one-point victory.
The Blues will continue to build momentum in preparation for their next against the McMaster Marauders on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Tip off is set for 6 p.m. in Hamilton, Ont. The game can be streamed live via oua.tv.
