Capers nipped by Panthers 69-67

(SYDNEY, N.S.)- The UPEI Panthers eked out a big win on the road Saturday afternoon at Sullivan Fieldhouse. The Panthers bounced back from a loss on Friday night against the Cape Breton University Capers and defeated them in the rematch 69-67.

The Panthers' bench was a big part of their victory, with 43 of their points coming from non-starters. Kiera Rigby led the bench-attack with 14 points and five rebounds, getting to the hoop at will in the first quarter. Anne Kiberd also contributed to the win with 11 points while Terrilyn Herrick chipped in with eight points.

Meanwhile, the Capers' front court kept their offence rolling on Saturday. Allison Keough, Colleen Keane and Rasheeka Gunn all played well for the Capers. Keough had 14 points and eight rebounds, to go along with Keane's 14 points and seven rebounds. Rasheeka Gunn chipped in 12 points for the Capers.

The game was back and forth throughout with 10 ties and 12 lead changes over the course of 40 minutes. The Capers found themselves down two with just 3.7 seconds remaining and needed to score to force overtime.

Colleen Keane had the ball in her hands, tried to penetrate the defence and was called for a charge. The foul call sealed the win for the Panthers and gave them the upper hand on the Capers in the AUS standings.

Cape Breton will continue to fight for position in the AUS standings next weekend when they try to rebound from Saturday's loss with a match up against fourth place Dalhousie. The Capers will play the Tigers at 6pm on Friday at Sullivan Fieldhouse.

The Panthers will play host to Acadia in a four point game this Friday at 6pm.