UPEI pulls away in second half to defeat Acadia

Acadia fell 80–61 to UPEI on Saturday night at Stu Aberdeen Court. The Axewomen led by as many as 13 points in the second quarter, but UPEI controlled the second half and built a 21-point lead late in the fourth to secure the win.

Samantha Russell made program history in the opening minute, as her early free throws pushed her past the 1,000-point career milestone. She becomes the fifth all-time leading scorer in Axewomen basketball history. Russell finished the night with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Bianca Helmig led Acadia with 16 points and five assists. Sarah Delorey added 14 points and eight rebounds. Jewel Woolfitt contributed six rebounds and two points.

UPEI's balanced attack was a major factor. Karla Benitez recorded eight points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Grace Lancaster scored 12 points and added four assists and two steals. Lily Vrugteman also scored 12, shooting 5-for-10 and collecting eight rebounds. Ingrid Khuong posted a team-high 13 rebounds along with eight points, five assists and two steals. Ella Simmons added 10 points and went a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.

Acadia opened strong, taking a 19–14 lead after the first quarter. The Axewomen made six of eight free throws and matched UPEI with 10 points in the paint. Four offensive rebounds extended possessions and helped offset UPEI's early ball movement, which produced six assists.

Acadia extended its lead in the second quarter with a 16–10 edge in paint scoring. The Axewomen forced seven turnovers and recorded five steals in the frame. By halftime, Acadia held a 42–33 advantage.

UPEI took over in the third quarter, outscoring Acadia 25–8. The Panthers hit 10 of 19 field goals, including three three-pointers, and added 10 points in the paint. Acadia shot 4-for-18 and committed six turnovers, allowing UPEI to shift momentum and carry a 58–50 lead into the fourth.

UPEI continued its strong play in the final quarter, shooting 9-for-18 from the field and adding three more threes. The Panthers forced five additional Acadia turnovers and held firm defensively with two blocks. Acadia scored eight points in the paint but could not close the gap as UPEI secured the 19-point win.

The loss drops Acadia to 6–3 on the season. The Axewomen scored 38 points in the paint and forced eight steals, but UPEI's 26 bench points and nine made threes proved decisive.

Up next: Acadia returns to action Friday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. against Cape Breton, the final home game before January.