Alice Walker

The McGill Martlets improved their regular season record to 6-0 as they defeated the Concordia Stingers 72-61 Thursday evening in a game that doubled as a fundraising event. The “Shoot for the Cure” game was part of a nation-wide initiative by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WCBA) which aimed to raise a grand total of $100,000 for breast cancer research. The Martlets, who have been collecting donations and promoting awareness, entered the stadium sporting special pink and white uniforms.

In the first quarter, the Martlets got off to a quick lead by promptly reading the Stingers’ strategy.

“They were trying to double team and trap, but my teammates were ready for that,” said senior forward Anneth Him-Lazarenko. As the Stingers warmed up, they were able to work on closing the gap, ending the first quarter only two points behind McGill.

As the second quarter started, McGill’s powerful defence succeeded in shutting down the league’s leading scorer, Concordia’s Yasmine Jean-Philippe. Jean-Philippe finished the game with only two points, both from free throws. Leading the defence was sophomore guard Marie-Eve Martin, who was also aggressive offensively, registering 14 points in the match, including two three-pointers.

The second half of the game started with a scrappy quarter that continued a trend of high turnovers by the Martlets.

“I wasn’t at all happy with the amount of turnovers we had, or the offensive rebounds we gave up, so those will be some areas to work on.” said Martlets Head Coach Ryan Thorne. Still, after a Martlet scoring streak, the team was able to push the lead to 60-40 at the conclusion of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter began with back-to-back dagger three-pointers by Martin and Frances Grout-Brown. Senior guard Natalie Laroque continued to drive the ball, creating opportunities for her teammates as she had throughout the game.

Thorne was satisfied with the starters’ performances on the court.

“I think it was an overall team effort,” he noted, “Anneth played big inside, scoring 22 points and pulling down 10 boards, but the tone was set with offensive rebounding by Helene Bibeau, tough defence by Martin, and easy transition baskets by Francoise Charest.”

Overall, McGill shot an impressive 46 per cent from the field and played well tactically throughout.

“We also made a point of attacking the paint, which put some of their post players in trouble early and gave us an advantage inside,” said Thorne.

On the Concordia side, the scoring campaign was led by freshman guard Kaylah Barrett who registered 21 points. Following Barrett was freshman forward Nekeita Lee with 14. The Stingers came away with an astonishing 20 steals.

As part of the fundraiser, the crowd was treated to a halftime show put on by McGill’s a capella group, Tonal Ecstasy.

The Martlets, who are currently ranked first in the Quebec conference, will travel to Laval as they take on the Rouge et Or on Sunday. Him-Lazarenko is looking forward to the next matchup in hopes of stretching their winning streak.

“We are really ready to be aggressive,” Him-Lazarenko said. “We are ready to play.”