ALGONQUIN LOSES IN SEMI-FINALS AT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONALS

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - The semi-final match at the BMO CCAA 2012 Women’s Basketball Nationals between the Dawson Blues and Algonquin Thunder resulted in a 70-62 win for Dawson College. 

The game started quickly with the Thunder dominating the court both offensively and defensively. The game started a bit too quickly for the Blues who continued to fumble the ball. But they were able to pick it up, ending the first quarter evenly, with a score of 11-11. 

Evenly matched in height, both teams used it to their advantage, blocking shots and gaining rebounds. However, the second quarter had both teams making numerous shot attempts without much success. The fast pace of the game resulted in a lack of focus with players not taking the time to set up plays and getting the clear shot. 

The Blues managed to pull ahead by half-time but it was still a close game with a score of 27-23. 

Half-time break proved to be beneficial for the Blues as they came out playing aggressively right from the start. Instead of fumbles leading to a turnover, they were successfully making their attempts, playing a good defense and making steals, gaining 11 points in the first five minutes. 

Thunder fought back the best they could, playing defensively but by the end of the third quarter the Blues had extended their lead with a score of 49-39. 

The final quarter had both teams playing defensively and aggressively. Constant blocks and steals were made by both teams resulting in an evenly played quarter. However, attempts made by Thunder just weren’t up to par against the Blues who sunk nearly every attempt made. 

Algonquin Thunder, seeded sixth in the championship put up a good fight against the Dawson College Blues. 

"We played a really tough team," says Thunder coach John MacInnis. "My kids played their hearts out, nothing but proud in how they competed in the effort. No fault of ours, I think we got beat by a better team, a strong team." 

Though the first half of the game started a bit questionable for the Blues, by the end they proved why they came to nationals second in the seed with a win of 70-62. 

Algonquin needs to win twice on Saturday to leave nationals with a bronze medal. The Thunder earned silver last year.

All games can be seen via webcast on sportscanada.tv.

Championship Website: ccaawomensbasketball2012.ca

Source: Lethbridge College with files from OCAA Communications