Capers hang on to edge Varsity Reds 63-62

(FRDERICTON, NB) The UNB Varsity Reds suffered their second loss of the season when a last second, buzzer-beating shot missed its mark.

UNB fell 63-62 to the Cape Breton University Capers.

A ten-point forth quarter performance by Laura Kaye wasn't enough to stop the visiting Capers.

Alison Keough led Cape Breton with 21 points and nine rebounds, helping her team improve their season record to 2-2

The Capers began strong,jumping out to an early nine-point lead over the VReds. Shooting 53% through two quarters, CBU made an impact offensively. But, it was their defense that helped the most. CBU scored 23 of their 34 first half point off UNB turnovers.

Rachel Cleary brought UNB to within six in the second quarter, with a hoop and a harm, converting the three-point play at the line.

While both teams were even from the charity stripe, UNB made the most of their trips to the line going 3-for-4 in the half.

The Varsity Reds bench did their part, picking up 15 points in the half, 13 more than the Capers bench.

A third quarter push by the Varsity Reds saw them move to within three. Then, Grace Wade splashed home one of her three three-pointers to tie the game midway through the quarter.

In the fourth, Laura Kaye took over. She scored 10 points, added four assists and pulled down four rebounds to bring her team within one point with only seconds on the clock.

"Laura Kaye is good enough to score 25 points a game. I need her taking more shots in the game," said UNB Head coach Jeff Speedy. "She's one of the best offensive guards in the conference."

A final shot to take the lead and the win rang of the rim, ending the forth quarter push and gave CBU their second win of the season.

"I thought at some point in the second quarter we started competing physically, especially on defense," said Speedy. "A lot of resiliency to be proud of, for sure."

"There is a lot to be excited about," added Speedy. "But obviously some things to fix, we're 1-2 so we'll keep grinding."

The Varsity Reds go on the road next weekend, to St. John's, for a pair of games against the Memorial Seahawks.

BY – MICHAEL BOURGEOIS FOR UNB ATHLETICS

PHOTO CREDIT – MICHAEL BOURGEOIS