By Mitchell Ferreira

The aggressive defense of the NAIT Ooks proved too much for the Briercrest Clippers women’s basketball team to handle, losing 68-53 to the visitors. After a difficult first half, Briercrest battled back in the second, ultimately falling short to the resilient Ooks.

Kicking off the second home stand of the season, Briercrest struggled out of the gate, trailing 25-8 at the end of the first quarter. The visitors were relentless on defence,forcing multiple turnovers. The Ooks’ full-court press proved formidable for Briercrest, making carrying the ball down the court a challenge.

The second half saw a stronger showing from Briercerst, with Meghan Meyer playing well as she was three-for-five from three-point range. As was the case in the first half, NAIT’s full-court press was a challenge for the Clippers. Rebounding also proved to be an issue for the home side, notably on defence.

Briercrest rookie Tracy Frimpong had a strong game, leading the game with 17 points, to go along with six rebounds and one steal. Frimpong’s strong competitive drive was clearly seen in her noteworthy performance. The player of the game for the Ooks was Taylor Goulden (13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal).

Game notes: Briercrest was outshot 81 to 55 for the game, but only 35 to 31 in the second half. Briercrest attempted nine three-pointers and 14 free throws to NAIT’s 28 and 25 respectively. Rebounds and assists were even on the game and NAIT won the steal game 22 to nine.

Other leaders of the game for Briercrest were Brittany Larson with a game high 11 rebounds and four assists to go with her six points, Meghan Meyer with 11 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal, and Claire Richardson had 10 rebounds, seven points, two assists, one block and two steals.    

Tomorrow night Briercrest concludes inter-divisional play against the Grant MacEwan Griffins at 6:00 pm.