The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team traveled to London to begin their road-trip at Western on Friday (Jan 23) evening, dropping a 63-38 decision to the Mustangs

Both teams struggled in the opening half, with both shooting under 35 percent. Even through the shooting slump and excessive turnovers, Toronto pulled down 10 offensive rebounds, leading to multiple second-chance opportunities and kept the game in reach at the break. However, Western opened the third on an 11-4 run, and though the Blues could not close the deficit following the offensive output from the home side, U of T's defence was still able to hold the Mustangs to almost 14 points under their season average.

Eight Blues recorded a steal during tonight's match-up, with active hands snatching 11 total. Fourth-year forward Gabby Reed and second-year centre Zi Yang Wang grabbed 12 offensive rebounds together, with both players notching 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Sydney Cowan led Western with a game-high 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists. She was joined by Renee Armstrong with 16 points and four steals.

Up next, the Blues travel to Windsor where they will close their road-trip with a Saturday (Jan 24) afternoon match-up against the No. 10 nationally ranked Lancers. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m., with the game available to stream on OUA.tv.