Recap The Court

Jacob Smith

The 2023-2024 OUA women’s basketball season is halfway done. Games resume on January 4th and the push towards the Critelli Cup playoffs is on the horizon. With the break in play, it’s time to look back on the first half of the season. If you’re a new fan or simply need a refresher, here are five games that stand out for your catch up.

Carleton 56, Ottawa 74 (December 6th 2023)

Let’s start with the marquee matchup of the semester so far, the undefeated against the streak. The 9-0 Carleton Ravens met the 8-1 Ottawa Gee-Gees in the final game of the fall semester and a statement was made by the Gee-Gees as they pushed their way to the top of the OUA East at 9-1 and increasing their winning streak to 9 games after losing their season opener to Guelph.

This game was a look at the Gee-Gees transition game in full force, and the three-point shooting of two of their additions, Allie McCarthy and Ariane Saumure. When Ottawa is in their flow like they were in this game, they make a serious case for the best team in the OUA, and this game was a full display of that.

Western 80, York 67 (November 17th 2023)

Down 58-48 with 8:31 left in the fourth quarter, the Western Mustangs not only came back to defeat the York Lions, but went on a staggering 32-9 run in the final eight minutes. The run was started with a three from MacKeely Shantz and continued by MacKeely and Morgan Tamminga who combined for 26 points in the fourth quarter.

This game to me stands out because it showcased what Guelph fans know, the offensive takeover power of MacKeely Shantz. The fourth quarter from MacKeely was a spectacle to bear witness to. From defensive stops, to running the floor with the ball rim to rim, to driving off screens and laying it up through contact, to threes, and midrange pull up jumpers, MacKeely showcased everything in the fourth. Her 19 fourth quarter points powered the Mustangs run and rejuvenated a squad that had started the season up and down.

Brock 79, Carleton 81, Overtime (November 17th 2023)

This game was the emergence of the Badgers as a dark horse team in the OUA. Going against the reigning champions, Brock gave Carleton everything they could handle, and it was through the play of Tito Akinnusi. Finishing with 24 points and 6 rebounds, Tito was all over the floor for the Badgers and her efficiency around the glass showcased to the league the threat inside the paint that the Badgers have.

On the side of the Ravens they came in undefeated and Kali Pocrnic who finished the game with 25 points and 4 assists was in attack mode all night. Getting to the rim and the foul line, shooting 17 free throws, Kali was aggressive attacking the Badgers defence just as she had been up until that point and the Ravens always made sure they were keeping up with the Badgers, until overtime where they snatched the victory.

TMU 81, Toronto 79 (November 18th 2023)

Kaillie Hall and Catrina Garvey for TMU, Kaylee Williams and Sabrina Nero for the Varsity Blues. The game between UofT and TMU at the MAC on November 18th was filled with big play after big play for both sides. Whether it was Kaylee Williams getting an important basket to spark a Blues run, or Kaillie Hall fighting her way to the paint for the Bold, TMU and Toronto traded shots through all 40 minutes.

Sabrina Nero played a great game inside the paint for the Varsity Blues finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds and using her height to her advantage finishing second chances and being a facilitator for the shooting of Ellen Ougrinov and Raya Hafez.

Queen’s 66, Brock 80 (November 24th 2023)

Another year, another victory over an undefeated team for the Brock Badgers at home. Brock’s defence takes the prize for this victory, making the Gaels take tough shots and matching physicality inside the paint.

Brock held the Gaels to 30 per cent shooting as a team while they shot 45 per cent. With all five starters finishing in double-digits in points, Brock pushed ahead in the second half and never looked back, outscoring Queen’s 52-31 in the half. After an overtime loss to the Ravens, and a loss to the Gee-Gees, coming back home and defeating the Gaels finished off a three game set for the Badgers where they made a statement to the rest of the league that they can play with anyone.