(London, Ontario) – On Wednesday evening, the Fanshawe Women's Basketball team (4-8) picked up their first home win against the Sheridan Bruins (0-12) by a score of 74-52.
In the first minute of the game, third-year Renee Matt (Oakville, ON) scored the first points for the Falcons after hitting a sweet jump shot for two. The visitors then strung together a run, leading 9-4 over the Birds. Joanna Smith (Simcoe, ON) later swished a long two to give the Falcons six. On the defensive end, Matt recorded a block which resulted in an Alison Cotton (London, ON) layup on the offensive side. In the following possession, rookie guard, Tamara Smith (Sarnia, ON) converted on a fast break layup. The score stood at 12-10 in Sheridan's favour after the first quarter.
To open the second quarter, Matt sunk her second shot of the game to tie things at 12. Then, Layla Mackenzie (Camlachie, ON) scored a layup to take the lead. The Bruins battled back, taking a 19-14 advantage at the 5-minute mark. With a relentless effort, Shauntee Centen (London, ON) built on to Fanshawe's total while knocking down a jumper. After grabbing a big board, Cotton dribbled the length of the floor and dished the ball to an open Matt who finished for an easy two to close in on Sheridan's seven-point lead. With 0.8 seconds in the half, Cotton was fouled and picked up her fifth point of the game. The away team led 28-25 at the half.
Cotton began the second half with a layup assisted by Myra Ciccarelli (Hamilton, ON). During the following play, a steal by guard Sidney Deleary (Chippewas of the Thames) resulted in a layup to give the Birds a 29-28 advantage. The Falcons furthered their score with a Ciccarelli three-pointer. Cotton also added eight points in the quarter to push Fanshawe's 40-33 lead with 5-minutes left in the third. Matt added to Fanshawe's 11-0 run with a steal and finish on the other side. The Falcons led 53-37 after three and impressively outscored their opponent 28-9 in the quarter.
In the fourth, Cotton recorded her tenth rebound of the game and a double-double which converted to a Joanna Smith layup. Then, Deleary went on a hot streak. Within just over a minute of play, Deleary rattled in two shots behind the arc and a layup, racking up eight points for the Falcons. Taya Spears (London, ON) also added to Fanshawe's highlight reel with a turn around fade away over the Sheridan defender. Edith Eseme (Milton, ON) got in on the action with a spectacular baseline drive, giving Fanshawe 69 points over the visitors' 43. Libbey Walkom (London, ON) closed things out for the Birds with a buzzer-beater layup. The Falcons improved their record and were victorious 74-52 against the Bruins. Cotton finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, for her seventh double-double of the season. Rookie Deleary also chipped in scoring 10 points on 4 of 6 from the field.
The next Falcons home game will be at Falcons Fest on January 27. Cheer on Fanshawe's basketball and volleyball teams starting at 1:00 p.m. in an action-packed day at the Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre. Free pizza, soft drinks, and Falcons swag will be included!