Martlets Take Final 4 Championship

McGill Continues Championship Streak on Home Court

SportsSafia Ahmad — Published March 13, 2016

The win leaves them undefeated in 10 playoff games since losing to Laval in the 2011 RSEQ semifinals.

Both teams displayed a fast-paced and aggressive style of play for the first half of the game. While the match was close, the Rouge et Or ultimately had more ball possession, with a 31.3 field goal percentage over the Martlets 26.9 per cent. Laval left the half with the lead at 29-27.

However, the game was decided in the third quarter, when McGill outplayed Laval by a score of 19-7. Much like their semifinal matchup against Concordia on Thursday, McGill’s best players made the difference.

Fourth year forward Mariam Sylla ended the quarter with 18 points, the majority of which came in the third quarter. She ended the game with a double-double, recording 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Forward Alex Kiss-Rusk, who recorded an astounding 31 points in the semifinals, and point guard Marika Guerin, also added a double-doubles.

Taken together, the Martlets found their offensive stride and took the game away from Laval. The Martlets had the edge in ball possession, with a high field goal percentage of 51.5 compared to Laval’s 32.1 per cent.

With no surprise, Sylla was named player of the game for the Martlets, while Laval’s Gabrielle Girard was also awarded with the same honour.

The Martlets will now compete in the CIS Final Eight national championship in Fredericton, New Brunswick starting on March 17.