Axewomen defeat Cape Breton to secure semifinal bye
Russell leads the way with 23 points as Acadia maintains control throughout road win
SYDNEY, N.S. — The Acadia Axewomen defeated the Cape Breton Capers 76-62 at Sullivan Fieldhouse, maintaining control throughout the game.
Acadia's defense recorded 14 steals and turned them into 10 points off turnovers. The Axewomen also scored 32 points in the paint and built a 24-point lead in the second quarter. Cape Breton shot 33.8 per cent from the field and could not close the gap.
Samantha Russell led Acadia with 23 points and eight rebounds. She also added three steals and four assists. Bianca Helmig scored 13 points and added three assists, hitting two three-pointers. Sophie Fowler contributed 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting with three assists. Maria Davignon added six rebounds and three steals.
Amanda Cruickshank led the Capers with 13 points and three assists. Kristen Taylor recorded 11 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Gabrièla Uyanze added three steals and seven rebounds. Alicia Bowering scored nine points with three three-pointers, while Monifa Beyde grabbed eight rebounds.
Acadia set the tone early.
The Axewomen controlled the paint and recorded 14 points inside in the opening quarter. Their defense added four steals and two blocks as they built a 27-16 lead. Balanced scoring and six assists helped maintain the advantage.
Acadia extended its lead in the second quarter by outscoring Cape Breton 22-10. The Axewomen continued to control the paint with 12 points and shot 9-of-19 from the field. They also held an 11-7 edge on the boards. Acadia led 49-26 at halftime.
Cape Breton responded in the third quarter, outscoring Acadia 17-15. The Capers added eight points in the paint, but Acadia hit three three-pointers and secured seven defensive rebounds to keep control. The Axewomen led 64-43 after three quarters.
Acadia maintained its edge in the fourth quarter despite being outscored 19-12. The defense recorded four steals and a block from Emily Nunes-Sabean. Cape Breton hit three three-pointers late, but Acadia's earlier lead held.
With the win, the Axewomen earn a bye to the AUS basketball semifinal on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. Their opponent will be determined following Friday's quarterfinals.