Going, Going, Gone

Women’s Basketball Misses Winning Opportunity

SportsRichie Daly — Published February 6, 2012

They almost had it. The Stingers were just inches away from ending their losing streak, but instead lost in overtime to the Laval Rouge et Or, marking their fourth loss in a row.

The Stingers started off strong with shots falling their way and the Laval defense just a step behind the Stingers’ attack.

And the Concordia defense was creating a number of turnovers that led to their strongest lead of the night, up by 16 in the second quarter. But soon enough the Laval offense woke up and began nibbling away at the lead.

Hoping to end their own five-game losing streak, the Rouge et Or came out hungry after the break, taking shots from the perimeter and posting up from the free throw area often. Before long, the Stingers’ lead was fading due to the offensive talents of Laval’s guards Marjorie Ferland and Catherine Andrews-Cote, who had eight and nine points on the night, respectively.

With little offensive production coming from any Stingers shooters late on, they were lucky to still be in front entering the final frame.

“Overall we held them to 19 per cent shooting in the second half, which was key,” said Laval head coach Linda Marquis.

“I think we went into the third quarter and assumed the game was over. They made small adjustments defensively that we didn’t recognize,” said Stingers head coach Keith Pruden. “We have to learn to play with a lead. We put them on the line unnecessarily and missed a couple key rotations and they made us pay for it.”

As the Stingers continued to struggle Laval just took advantage surging again to tie the game with nine minutes remaining and eventually taking over. Though Concordia rediscovered their defensive intensity, they continued to have difficulty converting points on the board.

“We just weren’t taking good shots. We got to the rim at least four times in the fourth quarter and just missed. We have nobody to blame for that except us,” said Pruden.

Down by one in the final minute the Stingers attempted to make another run but a travelling call forced them into overtime, which Laval took full advantage of and emerged victorious.

Despite their recent struggles, the Stingers still believe they’ll be able to contend come the post-season. “We have to try not to let those losses affect our style of play. We have to be confident and go hard,” said forward Andreanne Gregoire-Boudreau. “We’ll be ready for playoffs that’s for sure.”