By Cascades Media. Despite leading for all but fifteen seconds of regular time, the UFV Cascades dropped a disappointing road game, 77-74, to the Winnipeg Wesmen tonight. After accumulating a 53-35 lead late in the third quarter, the Cascades suffered a difficult shooting patch in the fourth as the Wesmen chipped away at the deficit. Winnipeg would eventually win the five minute overtime period 15-12 to hand the Cascades their fourth loss of the season.
UFV photo
The Cascades (7-4) were the favourites coming into the game against the Wesmen (5-6), and held a double-digit lead for large portions of the game. Still, after being outscored 20-7 in the fourth quarter, UFV was forced to rely on a desperation jumper from Sarah Wierks to force overtime.
Nicole Wierks led UFV with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Courtney Bartels scored 13 points and picked up five steals. The Wesmen rallied behind Stephanie Kleyson (20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists), with help from Alyssa Grant (17 points) and Kerri Kuzbyt (16 points), both with three three-pointers.
“Winnipeg did what Winnipeg does. They got on a roll and rode the emotional wave to a great victory for them,” said Cascades coach Al Tuchscherer. “We did what we want to do for about 28 minutes and then we couldn’t match their passion.”