The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team closed out a two-game road trip to the nation's capital with a 73-52 loss versus the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday (Jan 17) afternoon.
 
In spite of a slow start in the first quarter, the Blues fought back in the second by grabbing four quick turnovers and forcing the Gee-Gees to call an early timeout. The defensive intensity persisted, allowing Toronto to outscore Ottawa 22-18, and close the gap to just nine going into the break. The Blues pressure defence held the Gee-Gees to just 25 per cent from the field in the third, and closed the deficit even further, drawing to within four points of the home side. However, the Gee-Gees were able to weather the storm and halt the comeback effort for U of T, pulling away for the win late.
 
Toronto had three scorers in double-figures: second-year guard Lia Barbieri with 12 points, five rebounds, and four steals; fourth-year forward Janet Enge with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists; and fourth-year guard Faith Joseph with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
 
The Blues have continued to build their identity on defensive effort. Following their 14^th game of the season, U of T rank among the top in the province in several defensive categories averaging over 10 steals and nearly three blocks per game.
 
Ottawa was led by Bailey Russell and Allie McCarthy, both scoring a game-high 24 points, with Russell notching an additional six rebounds and three steals and McCarthy ten rebounds and five assists.
 
Up next, the Blues travel to London to begin a two-day road trip, opening with a Friday (Jan 23) night game at Western. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m., with the game available on oua.tv.