The Canisius women’s basketball team got its first taste of game action on Wednesday night, and played its way to a 80-73 win over crosstown foe, Daemen at the Koessler Athletic Center. A late 13-6 run in the final quarter snapped a 67-67 tie, as Canisius prevailed in its only exhibition before the season begins.
The Griffs and Wildcats traded punches through the first quarter-and-a-half before a Canisius 15-0 run helped the squad close out the second quarter up 44-36. The Blue and Gold defense stiffened in the final 6:26 of the frame and held Daemen scoreless.
However the Wildcats came out quickly in the third quarter, going on a 13-7 run to narrow the gap to just two points, 51-49 with just four minutes left in the stanza.
The two teams kept the game tight into the fourth, with the game knotted up 67-67. However the Blue and Gold again went on a extended run through the final 5:18, outscoring Daemen 13-6 to close out the contest.
Canisius spread the scoring around, with five different players, including four of the game’s starters, recording double-digit nights.
Sophomore Maria Welch led the way for Canisius, recording 15 points in the game, and shooting 4-of-14 from the field.
Lauren D’Hont was close behind, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and finishing the night with 14 points.
Margret Halfdanardottir was efficient from the floor, knocking down 5-of-7 for 13 points, while Sarah Cooley and Saliah Serrette both tallied 12.
The Wildcats were sizzling from beyond the arc, as the team drained 13 treys, and shot 42 percent from long-range.
Sarah Saba paced Daemen with 19 points, while Sydney Jones was right behind her with 18 coming off five 3-pointers. Jesse Dwaters also reached double-figures with 10 points.
Also playing a role in the strong effort was Jordan Heinold, daughter of former Canisius men’s basketball player, Chris Heinold. The forward proved to record stats in many areas, notching eight points, five rebounds and four assists.
Canisius now turns its attention to its homeopener on Sunday, when the Griffs take on Northeastern at the Koessler Athletic Center. The game is slated for 2 p.m. and will feature a “Dads and Daughters day” promotion, where all women earn free admission with all other tickets pricing at $3. The game will also be streamed live on EPSN3.
from GoGriffs.com via IFTTT
