The University of Winnipeg Wesmen women’s basketball team came out victorious Saturday, Nov. 21 in their home game against provincial rivals the Brandon University Bobcats.

The women’s game had a slow start. Forward Jessica Stromberg had two steals early in the game. Neither could be converted to points but it set the standard for Wesmen defense early on.

Post Nicisha Johnson was the Bobcats’ only visible defensive presence on the court with a game-high 14 rebounds and tying Stromberg with four blocks, also a game high.

In the second half, Bobcats couldn’t translate as well on three-point shots and Wesmen defense tightened up even further. While the Bobcats traded two for three-point shots, the Wesmen did just the opposite. In the second half they attempted only three three-point shots (half that of the Bobcats) but shot more field goals and sunk half of them, making the difference.

Wesmen won 75-58.

The men’s game was a closer battle but to a less desirable end for the Wesmen. Post Mike James won the jump ball but the moment didn’t last as the Bobcats got too many fast-breaks, putting the Wesmen down by six early in the game.

The Wesmen battled back to the point where they were up by six with two minutes left. Bobcats dominated the final two minutes of the first half, leaving the Wesmen up by only one point at the break.

The difference seemed to be in 3-point shooting, the Wesmen sinking only 2 of 11 attempts.

The heat in the second half was turned up more by the Bobcats than Wesmen. The game ran ramped in personal fouls. The Wesmen had 10 free-throw attempts, sinking all of them, while the Bobcats hit 11 of 17 attempts.

Shooting percentages were close in the second half but Bobcats out-shot the Wesmen leading to more points overall. Game-end, 80-75 Brandon.

Published in Volume 64, Number 13 of The Uniter (November 26, 2009)