UNB pulls away in overtime to defeat Axewomen

Acadia fell 74–61 to the University of New Brunswick on Saturday in an overtime loss at the Richard J. Currie Center. The Axewomen held a seven-point lead early and forced 24 turnovers, converting them into 22 points, but were outscored 14–1 in the extra period. Acadia shot just 30 per cent from the field, while UNB's 36 points in the paint proved decisive.

Bianca Helmig finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Samantha Russell added 12 points, eight steals and two blocks. Sarah Delorey scored 16 points and collected eight rebounds, while Jewel Woolfitt contributed seven points, six rebounds and two assists.

UNB was led by Maheva Ngassam, who scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting and added nine rebounds and three steals. Addie Mombourquette also scored 13 points, going 7-for-10 from the free-throw line, while Kylee Speedy added eight points, four assists and four steals. Katie McAffee chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Leah Travers supplied two blocks and two steals.

Acadia opened the first quarter with strong defense, forcing five steals and scoring eight points in the paint. Russell's late three-pointer put the visitors ahead 14–13 after holding UNB to 26 per cent shooting.

Acadia built a five-point lead early in the second quarter on a layup by Emily Nunes-Sabean, but UNB answered with 14 bench points and three blocks to close the frame. The Reds outscored Acadia 19–15 in the quarter to take a 32–29 lead into halftime.

The third quarter featured multiple lead changes. Acadia forced seven turnovers but struggled to contain UNB's second-chance opportunities, as the Reds pulled down seven offensive rebounds. UNB held a narrow 47–43 lead heading into the fourth.

Acadia rallied late in regulation, overcoming a nine-point deficit to tie the game. The Axewomen forced six turnovers and blocked four shots in the quarter, with Nunes-Sabean's free throw making it 60–60 to force overtime.

UNB dominated the extra period, holding Acadia scoreless from the field and converting eight of 11 free throws. The Reds added six points in the paint and took advantage of three Acadia turnovers to pull away. Acadia was outscored 14–1 in overtime as UNB secured the 74–61 win.

Acadia returns home on January 9 at 6 p.m.