POST GAME
LETHBRIDGE – As the second half of the Pronghorns Women's Basketball season resumed, the University of Lethbridge hosted the second meeting between the University of Alberta Pandas and the Pronghorns. In yesterday's game, the University of Alberta's starting guard Annacy Palmer played a pivotal role, scoring 23 points while shooting 50% from the field. She developed strong chemistry with forward Reece Hall, who posted an impressive stat line of 10 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. If the Pronghorns hope to overcome the Pandas, neutralizing Hall's presence in the paint and around the glass will be crucial.

Despite the loss, Lethbridge found success, particularly from beyond the arc. Piper Dobbelsteyn was nearly flawless, missing just one of her 3-point attempts. If the Pronghorns can continue to free up Dobbelsteyn from distance and allow forward Tobore Okome to assert her physicality in the post, the Pandas could face a more challenging test in future matchups. Though Lethbridge did a better job containing the Pandas' high-powered offense in this game, they still found themselves on the losing end. The Pandas will return home next weekend to face UBCO, while the Horns will travel to Edmonton to face the MacEwan Griffins.

Q1

• The quarter opened with a more measured pace compared to the high-energy start of yesterday's game. Lethbridge's Kamryn Deklerk penetrated the defense and delivered a slick pass to forward Abby Stonehocker for a smooth layup. Moments later, Lethbridge's captain Kyra Collier nailed a 3-pointer, giving the Pronghorns a slight lead midway through the quarter.
• The University of Alberta's Jayden Tanner responded with a strong drive to the basket, converting a contested layup. Both teams found consistent offense through interior plays, with no signs of the early-game rust that had plagued them the previous day.
• As the clock wound down in the first quarter, Lethbridge's Kamryn Deklerk hit another 3-pointer, giving the Pronghorns a 1-point lead after 10 minutes.
  Pronghorns lead 18-17.

Q2

• The University of Alberta's Ella Rees drained a textbook 3-pointer, helping to extend the Pandas' growing lead. After a quick defensive stop, Morgan Harris found Rees for another three and the Pandas began to find their rhythm.
• The Pandas' dominance on the glass became evident, as they out-rebounded Lethbridge 24-11 with five minutes remaining in the half.
• The University of Alberta maintained its pressure on the offensive boards. They recorded 13 offensive rebounds and capitalized on 16 second-chance points, while Lethbridge was limited to just 2 second-chance points. Pronghorns head coach Dave Waknuk would need to adjust his schemes at halftime to address the disparity in rebounding.
  Pandas lead Pronghorns 42-32 at halftime. 

Q3

• The Pandas came out strong in the second half, with Jayden Tanner hitting a 3-pointer to pick up right where they left off.
• Lethbridge's Kamryn Deklerk showcased her offensive talent with a dazzling drive to the basket, spinning around two University of Alberta defenders before finishing with a layup. Deklerk's performance was one of the few bright spots for the Horns in an otherwise tough third quarter.
  Pandas lead 57-44 after 30 minutes.

Q4

• The University of Alberta's Ella Rees continued her stellar performance, scoring 20 points while shooting an impressive 6-for-7 from beyond the arc. Her clinical shooting was a major factor in the Pandas' success.
• Abby Stonehocker of the Pronghorns had a solid game as well, creating space for herself in the post and making key assists for her teammates.
• Lethbridge's Piper Dobbelsteyn drained a wide-open 3-pointer off a sharp steal by Kyra Collier. Lethbridge finished with 12 fast-break points, looking dangerous in transition throughout the game.

NEXT UP
The Pronghorns will be back on the road for their next game, facing the MacEwan Griffins on Friday, January 17 at 5 p.m. Don't miss the action—tune in live on canadawest.tv!