The St. Thomas University Tommies bounced back following a loss to the ACAA's top team with a win over the visiting University of King's College Blue Devils on Sunday afternoon, 57-45.
The Blue Devils started the game on fire, shooting 83% on their first 12 points to pull out to an early 12-9 lead. Madison Owens (Fredericton, NB) was the early answer for the Tommies, after leaving the game against MSVU with an apparent ankle injury.
"To be honest we saw the exact same thing earlier on in the preseason," said head coach Fred Connors. "She sprained her ankle and we thought she would be out for about three weeks, but she was back out the next day playing. Today we taped it up, but a brace on it and away she went. She's a tough girl, but you'll never convince me in a million years she wasn't playing in pain today."
Owens would finish the game with 15 points and six rebounds, while Bridget Frazee (Sussex, NB) once again led the way for the Tommies with 16 points.
The defense of the Tommies stepped it up in the second quarter, holding the Blue Devils scoreless for the first 5:48 of the quarter, and limiting them to just six points overall.
"Was very happy with our defense today, I think it held us through the game," said Connors. "We still aren't putting the ball in consistently, but our free throws were better today, so I'll take it."
Jessica Simm (Hammonds Plains, NS) and Heather Wall (Sydney, NS) led the Blue Devils with 11 points each.
Mount Allison will visit Fredericton on January 18th to face the Tommies and the Blue Devils will have to wait until Sunday the 20th to host the UNBSJ Seawolves.