WINNIPEG – It was “Girls Night Out” at the Investors Group Athletic Centre on Saturday night, the perfect setup for the rematch between the eight-ranked Regina Cougars (16-6), and the Bisons (8-14). There were free gifts for every woman and girl in attendance, making for a great atmosphere before the matchup.

The Cougars were able to draw first blood in the weekend series with an 83-65 win on Friday. However, The Bisons were hoping for a gift in the form of a win before they head in to the playoffs

After an inspiring photo opportunity at centre court with the mothers and sisters of the Bisons, the game was underway almost as quickly as the flash from the camera only moments before. The Cougars moved into an eight-point lead late into the opening quarter as the Herd weren’t able to do anything on the offensive possession.

At the start of the second quarter, with the score 16-5 for the Cougars, Manitoba’s Leigh-Anne Legal-Young made a quick bucket in transition, followed by another moments later to bring Manitoba within seven. Whenever it looked as though Manitoba was inching closer, their offensive output would stall, and Regina would take advantage. Going in to the break, the score was 39-26 for the visiting Cougars.

In terms of points, leading the way for the Herd was Tessa Klassen with six points, while Brittany Read led all players with 10 points and seven rebounds.

The intensity of the game went back and forth between the two teams midway through the third quarter as the Bisons were down by 13, but showing signs they were far from out. With two minutes left in the frame, Manitoba had pulled themselves back to within eight, and was looking strong.

The story of the game so far had been Manitoba’s inability to keep momentum on their side, and the trend continued into the final frame. At one point Regina was up by 21 points, making great passing do all the work. Regina was able to finish just as strong as they started, taking the game 75-53 and the weekend series.

Klassen again was the top Bison in the second half, getting 12 total points in the game, while Brittany Read and Gabrielle Gheyssen both had 13 points in the game.

The main positive the Bisons can take from the game is that they will go to the playoffs next week, when they play a best-of-three series with the cross-town rival Wesmen at the Duckworth Centre.