November 30 - The Manitoba Bisons held the hometown Regina Cougars to just six points in the first quarter and rode that momentum to a 69-57 win on Friday night in a Canada West women’s basketball game at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport.

Regina’s six first-quarter points tied for the team’s lowest number of points in a quarter since the CIS moved to FIBA rules prior to the 2006-07 season.

The Bisons jumped out to a 19-6 lead after the first quarter, then extended their lead over the No. 6-ranked Cougars to 18 at the half. Manitoba led by as many as 25 points in the second half before Regina went on a 21-9 run to cut the lead to 13, but the Cougars wouldn’t come any closer until the waning moments of the contest.

Four players broke into double figures in points for the Bisons, who hit 10 of their 28 three-pointers in the win. Guard Tessa Klassen led the way for Manitoba with 18 points, with Kait Flett (15), Kayla Klassen (13), and Jenna Ralston (10) chipping in.

Despite the loss, the Cougars actually shot better from the field than the Bisons, hitting 38.1% of their shots compared to Manitoba’s 35.9%. The difference was the three-point assault – the Cougars hit just one – and turnovers, of which Regina had 23 and the Bisons 13.

Regina’s Jessica Lynch had 10 points and six rebounds to tie for the team high in both categories. Jacquie Kenyon also had 10 points for the Cougars and Megan Cherkas pulled down six boards to equal Lynch.

The loss drops Regina’s record to 7-2 on the season, while Manitoba moves to 4-5.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday night at the CKHS. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

NOTES: Prior to tonight, the only time the Cougars had scored just six points in a quarter was on Nov. 4, 2006 in the first quarter against Simon Fraser … including playoffs and regular season, the Bisons now have a four-game winning streak against Regina.

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