In a game that featured 10 lead changes, the Capilano University Blues women’s basketball team fell short in a 70-67 decision to the Douglas College Royals on Friday night in the Sportsplex.
The Blues got off to a slow start, not scoring a field goal over the first five minutes and falling behind 16-3. Yet CapU responded with a run of their own, outscoring the Royals 14-2 over the remaining five minutes to trail by only three after the first quarter.
Capilano took their first lead of the game early in the second frame on a triple by Sherrie Errico, but the two teams traded leads eight more times – with Douglas hitting a shot at the first half buzzer to lead 37-36 at the break.
The third quarter featured more back-and-forth play, but Capilano’s defence helped the Blues find offence in transition and open up a small lead. Ashley dela Cruz Yip hit a tough shot at the third quarter buzzer, and the home side led by five heading into the fourth.
Douglas went on another run start off the final quarter, scoring 11-straight points and eventually building up a six-point lead. Errico hit another three to bring it back to a one-possession at 66-63 with under two minutes to play, and two dela Cruz Yip free throws with 40 seconds left made it a one-point contest at 68-67.
Capilano remained down by one and had possession with eight seconds to play, but were unable to get a shot off. The Blues fouled Douglas to put them on the line, and with two makes they made it 70-67. CapU had one last chance to tie the game with three seconds left, but a half-court heave hit the rim.
Dela Cruz Yip scored a career-high 23 points in the game on 10-of-18 shooting to go along with eight assists and five rebounds. Francis Penafiel tallied 12 points off the bench, with eight Blues total scoring a basket.
Capilano falls to 13-4 with the loss and drops to second place in the PACWEST behind 13-4 Douglas, who holds the tiebreaker with their two head-to-head wins. A win tomorrow by Capilano will guarantee them a top-two finish and secure a first-round bye at Provincials.
Saturday’s game is Senior’s Night, as before the contest Capilano’s three fifth-years will be honoured: Francis Penafiel, Ashley dela Cruz Yip, and Carmelle M’Bikata. Game time is at 5:00pm at the Sportsplex in North Vancouver.
