The Bisons women’s basketball team lost to the Regina Cougars with a final score of 80-67 at the
Investors Group Athletic Centre on Nov. 22.

The game kicked off with both teams playing at a high pace, exchanging baskets early. The Cougars took an early lead, thanks to sharp shooting from their guards, including a couple of quick three-pointers. Both teams traded fast-break points and the game remained tight throughout the first quarter. With solid bench contributions from the likes of Emily Mandamin and rebounds by Avya Khan, the Bisons capitalized on a few of the Cougars’ turnovers, allowing them to close the gap. The first quarter ended 25-21.

The second quarter saw the Cougars adjust defensively, coming out with more pressure on the Bisons’ shooters. Their defence forced several turnovers, leading to easy points in transition. The Bisons struggled with offensive execution early on, missing several open shots. However, they remained competitive by staying aggressive on defence, which helped them limit the Cougars’ lead. The Cougars’ players heated up in this quarter, making several clutch shots. The Bisons answered with timely mid-range jumpers from their shooting guard and effective rebounding, Sydnee Harris and Autumn Agar. The game remained close as the second quarter finished 43-42.

After halftime, the Bisons came out with renewed energy, playing tighter defence and executing offensively. They managed to regain the lead quickly, capitalizing on fast breaks and free throws after drawing fouls. The Cougars had a few turnovers, which the Bisons took advantage of, but the Cougars’ players kept them in the game with some tough baskets and punished any mistakes made by the Bisons. The Bisons’ defence improved in this quarter, limiting the Cougars’ shooting opportunities. The quarter finished 63-59.

In the final quarter, both teams played with urgency. The Cougars came out strong, forcing turnovers and pushing the tempo, which led to several easy points in transition. The Bisons fought hard, but they struggled to match the Cougars’ intensity in the second half. Despite a few great plays from the Bisons, including a couple of key three-pointers by Agar and Emerson Martin, the Cougars’ players continued to dominate, getting to the basket and converting free throws.

The Bisons had trouble keeping up with the fast pace and ultimately allowed the Cougars to pull away in the final minutes. Despite strong individual efforts from the Bisons such as Anna Miko and Mandamin, the Cougars’ consistent offence and defence secured the win. The final score was 80-67 in favour of the Cougars.

The Bisons women’s basketball coach, Michele Sung, reflected on several aspects of the team’s performance in the wake of their recent game.

“I just thought we were composed for like 30 minutes, and then we just kind of lost it. We know that this group has put together some better 40 minutes, maybe not this year. So, I think we’re still chasing that 40-minute mark,” said Sung.

Regarding turnovers, the coach was pleased with the team’s ability to force them, but noted that the game had been marked by runs from both sides.

“I was really happy that we kept them to the points and transitions that we did until that last five minutes, and then [the] floodgates opened, and we kind of knew that that was a possibility […] that we weren’t going to be able to close it out.”

In terms of player development, Sung noted that work is still on the horizon. “I think we’re not even at probably our max capacity with it. We’re still waiting for a couple of people to really be excited about their role and feel confident in it, so we’re just trying to coach through that and give them confidence when they come off or after a game or after practice. So, I think it’s very much still a work in progress.”

She also reflected on the positive of the competitive finish against one of the top teams, stating, “it’s a weird start to the season. So, for us, I felt like this was our first week to prep for a Canada West matchup. So, in terms of the amount of information, video, and that, in terms of our prep, I was really pleased.”

The Bisons played against the Cougars the following day, Nov. 23, which ended in another loss of 87-60.

With one win and four losses, the Bisons are eighth on the Canada West Prairie league standings.

The Bisons women’s basketball will play against the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. CT and on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. CT at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.