POST GAME
LETHBRIDGE – On an unexpectedly damp evening, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns hosted the University of Alberta Pandas for both teams' first contest of 2025. The Pandas had finished the first half of their season with a 6-2 record in the conference, led by Annacy Palmer, who paced the team in minutes and points per game. While the Pronghorns wrapped up 2024 with a modest 4-4 record in Canada West, they had relied on captain Kyra Collier to spark their offensive efforts. Collier, who had finished the season as the team's leading scorer with an average of 13.5 points per game, had hoped to get Lethbridge's shooting dynamo, Piper Dobbelsteyn, firing early. Dobbelsteyn had led the team in 3-pointers made in 2024. The game ended in favor of the University of Alberta Pandas after they took a commanding lead in the second half through the performances of star guard Annacy Palmer (23 points, 5-9 from 3) and forward Reece Hall (10 points, 15 rebounds).
 
Q1

• A notable match-up early in the game was the battle of the posts between the Pandas' Reece Hall and the Pronghorns' Tobore Okome. These two imposed their physical play on each other and anyone who crossed them in the paint. Both teams had to find a way around them to score on the interior.
• The game began with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts. Each team forced 4 turnovers within the first 7 minutes of the quarter.
• An emphatic 3-pointer was made by Piper Dobbelsteyn as the buzzer rang around the arena to end the first quarter. The Horns led the Pandas 14-10 after 10 minutes.

 
Q2

• Lethbridge's Kyra Collier made a huge block at the beginning of the quarter on an attempted layup by Alberta's Morgan Harris, continuing the Horns' strong defensive efforts from the first quarter.
• The University of Alberta's Kiah Easton-Ihediohanma drove hard to the basket on Lethbridge's Danielle Nadeau. Easton-Ihediohanma made the layup and converted the and-one, giving the Pandas a 2-point cushion with 5 minutes remaining in the half.
• Late in the half, both teams struggled with discipline, accumulating 5 team fouls each with over 2 minutes to play. The Horns did their best to capitalize on free throws, shooting 50% from the line.
• The Pandas were clinical from beyond the arc, sinking 6 3-pointers in the half and building a 9-point lead over the Pronghorns. The halftime score was 34-25 in favor of Alberta.

 
Q3

• Alberta's Annacy Palmer splashed a tightly contested 3-pointer early in the second half to extend the Pandas' lead. The University of Alberta continued to find success from behind the arc throughout the game.
• Reece Hall of the Pandas persisted within the paint, collecting 12 rebounds through 27 minutes of play. She had not recorded a foul, remaining the most lockdown defender for Alberta.
• As Lethbridge tried to inch back into the game, Piper Dobbelsteyn drilled another 3-pointer, hoping to inspire a late surge for the Pronghorns as the clock wound down.

 
Q4

• The University of Alberta Pandas' starting guard, Annacy Palmer, remained locked in, scoring 23 points through the first three quarters. The Pronghorns attempted to find their way back into the game but couldn't come up with an answer for Palmer in the fourth quarter.
• Tobore Okome made a great physical shot despite being tightly challenged by Alberta's Reece Hall. Although the overall score didn't reflect the individual battles, the matchup between Hall and Okome was a highlight for fans.

 
NEXT UP
The Pronghorns return to home court at the University of Lethbridge tomorrow night, January 11 for a rematch against the Pandas at 5 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7 p.m.