UNB Varsity Reds hand CBU first loss of the season – earn split on the weekend

FREDERICTON - The UNB Varsity Reds women’s basketball team had fans on the edge of their seats this weekend as they split a pair of games against the #4 ranked CBU Capers.

On Friday night in the first game of the weekend the half time score was 40-37 for the Capers. CBU star Kelsey Hodgson led the Capers on the floor for 45 minutes of playing time and 29 points. The Varsity Reds dealt with CBU’s full court pressure and forced the game into overtime as CBU missed two shots in the last six seconds of regulation time. Fredericton native Megan Corby’s key pull-up jump shot with 42 seconds on the clock gave UNB a four point lead while senior Amanda Sharpe had two huge offensive rebounds in the overtime period.

Sharpe, who had an amazing 36 points and eight rebounds, was described by Head Coach Jeff Speedy as “unreal”.

"This was a huge win for us in so many ways. I guess it was nice to beat the first place team in the AUS, but more importantly, it is a huge confidence boost for our players. It shows what we can do when we play together and it validates all of the hard work we have been putting in. We played some good basketball on the road last weekend and didn't get rewarded with a W. We did tonight!"

The final result on Saturday was a little different as CBU took the win 72-67 but the game was just as intense with UNB leading at the half 36-34.

Amanda Sharpe again found the double digits with 22 points while Megan Corby had another strong game with nine points and four assists. UNB fans were pleased to see Jessica Steed back on the floor in just her second game back after missing two weeks and four games with a concussion.

Foul shooting killed UNB today as the Varsity Reds went 1-11 from the foul line in the second half while CBU pulled down 16 offensive rebounds.

“We played hard today and put ourselves in a position to win. However, we had some serious foul trouble in the first half and were just terrible from the foul line. They are called free throws for a reason ... they should be free points,” said head coach Jeff Speedy.

Overall the Varsity Reds had one of their best weekends of the year, “We have come a long way this season and I feel we are starting to believe we can be a good basketball team," continued Speedy.

“Think Pink” weekend continues at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym where the Varsity Reds men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams are hoping to raise more than four thousand dollars in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. On Sunday the men’s volleyball team will play the Dal Tigers at 1:00 pm while the women’s team hosts the Saint Mary’s Huskies at 3:00 pm.

Up next the Varsity Reds women’s basketball team travels to Newfoundland for a pair of games against third place Memorial Sea-Hawks.

Source:

Maureen Sparks, Coordinator
UNB Varsity Reds Athletics Coordinator