The Wesmen basketball teams had a tough weekend, with the men losing both games and the women pulling off one win.

The Wesmen women’s team suffered a heavy loss Friday night with a final score of 77-40 for the University of Alberta Pandas. The Wesmen had many of their passes stolen by the Pandas and had difficulty getting past their defense.

Things went from bad to worse in the second half as the Pandas increased the gap with a final difference of 37 points.

Saturday night’s game revealed a different team as the Wesmen women won against the Pandas. Although the Wesmen did not have the lead in points in the first half of the game, they hit their stride after half-time and came back to win with a final score of 64-58, making the weekend a split victory in matches.

Head coach for the women’s team, Tanya McKay, said the difference between the Friday and Saturday game was “effort.”

Fourth–year guard Catie Gooch said similar things when asked what she learned from Friday night’s loss.

“We didn’t come with the same intensity and heart as we did today.”

McKay said in future games they will “bring more passion, emotion and drive.”

The Wesmen men’s team did not have a victory over the weekend despite their hard efforts. They lost Friday’s game with a final score of 54-74 for the University of Alberta’s Golden Bears.

Saturday was a difficult loss for both players and fans. The Wesmen had a steady lead in the second half of the game but couldn’t hold on to it, losing with a final close score of 68-71 for the Golden Bears.

“It always tough to lose. We played really hard and we’re going to continue to play really hard,” said head coach Dave Crook.

“We’re hurt from the loss, but at least we know we can play,” said freshmen forward Brayden Duff. “You always gotta have hope and belief in your team.”

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)