Solid defensive effort nearly does the trick as Griffins limit Bobcats but ultimately drop a close one
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
BRANDON, Man. – The Griffins' defensive effort on Saturday managed to trim 36 points off of Brandon's total from a night earlier.
Unfortunately, the visitors also battened down the hatches, holding off MacEwan 72-66 in a tight Canada West women's basketball contest on Saturday.
"It was a solid game," said Griffins head coach Katherine Adams. "Yesterday was an offensive showing and today both teams kind of calmed down a little bit.
"I was really impressed with our defensive effort. Just really intentional. We stuck to our game plan. We made a few adjustments mid game that the girls adapted to well.
"It was a really good back and forth game, I thought. Unfortunately, we just didn't have enough. We ran out of time at the end to get a result."
MacEwan trimmed the deficit to three points when Paige Massier hit a layup with 19 seconds left, but that was as close as they would get.
"We needed to get the ball back, obviously," said Adams. "They called a timeout. And we ended up having to foul just to get possession back. They hit two free throws.
"It was a three-point game and fouls made the separation what it was at the end. Ultimately, a really close one."
Paige Massier from downtown!
— MacEwan Griffins Women's Basketball Team (@Griffins_WBB) February 1, 2026
The point guard hits a key three down the stretch for the @MacEwanGriffins as they look to rally back vs. @BUBobcats.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/Fi1O3JgYJ2
Massier finished with a career-high 15 points, adding five rebounds.
"She was super assertive in her attacks and didn't try to force too much when it wasn't there," said Adams of the third-year point guard. "She just capitalized on the opportunities presented to her. She hit a three near the end. She was just so solid for us."
Samantha Hickey recorded a double double for the second-straight night (15 points and 14 rebounds to go along with five assists, three steals and three blocks) and Toni Gordon narrowly missed one with 15 points and nine boards to go with three assists and three steals.
Unity Obasuyi, who had 30 points on Friday, bucketed 15 Saturday, but it was her defensive effort that stood out more.
"I think the biggest thing for her is we gave her the task of face guarding the other team's leading scorer in the second half," said Adams of Piper Ingalis. "She locked in and did a phenomenal job. Piper had 22 in the first half and five in the second.
"Unity just did a great job limiting her opportunities. Just the versatility and growth that's she's made is important."
Ella Averill was Brandon's other big scorer with 29 points.
The Griffins are back at home next weekend as they host Regina Feb. 6-7 for their final two games of the 2025-26 season.
