SASKATOON, Saskatchewan – The No. 4 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies stayed on top of the Canada West Pioneer Division standings with a 56-48 win over the visiting Trinity Western University Spartans Saturday night at the PAC in Saskatoon.

Trinity Western was within striking distance of the Huskies from start to finish, but couldn't quite close the gap late as the Spartans fell to 4-12 on the season. Saskatchewan (13-3) is now riding a nine-game winning streak after the weekend sweep of the Spartans.

Dalyce Emmerson led the way for the green and white recording a double-double, including 12 points and 13 rebounds. Fifth-year guard Kabree Howard scored a game-high 14 points, hitting on 4-of-5 shots from beyond the arc, and added seven assists. Laura Dally chipped in with another 12 points for the Huskies.

Kayla Gordon (Prince George, B.C.) was the top scorer for the Spartans for the second consecutive night with 12 points. Kristin Ford (Okotoks, Alta.) and Laurissa Weigl (Stony Plain, Alta.) added another eight points each. Jessie Brown (Langley, B.C.) led the team on the glass with four rebounds.

The Huskies finished the night shooting 39 per cent from the field. The Spartans shot at 38 per cent in the loss.

"I thought today was a step forward for our program," said Spartans coach Cheryl Jean-Paul. "We battled for four quarters, took care of the ball and did a great job creating for each other but the fourth quarter experience is definitely something we need to learn from. They have experienced athletes who were able to knock down some big shots and settle their team enough to win this one.

"But I asked the team to fight and they did. They got us to within three points at the end and our response to their play will only take us further."

The teams played a back and forth first quarter and were tied at eight midway through the period. The Huskies grabbed the lead at 17-11 by the end of the quarter. Neither team could break down the defence in the second, leading to just 23 total points being scored. Saskatchewan grew the lead by three, heading to halftime with a 30-21 advantage.

The Spartans came out firing in the third, and cut the lead to three at 40-37, but the Huskies went on a late run to take a 42-37 lead into the final 10 minutes. In the fourth, Saskatchewan grew the lead to 10 points early and held on for the eight-point win.

The Spartans return home next weekend to host the Winnipeg Wesmen Feb. 6-7 in what will be TWU's final home games of the season. Saskatchewan hits the road next weekend to visit the Lethbridge Pronghorns.

Game Notes: After the Huskies had a 30-10 edge in points off turnovers in Friday's game, TWU had a 15-11 advantage Saturday…Saskatchewan had a 40-25 edge in rebounds.

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