CALGARY, Alberta – The Trinity Western Spartans had an impressive first half, outscoring Mount Royal 46-16 on their way to a 79-50 win over the Cougars Saturday afternoon at Kenyon Court in Calgary, Alta. The win brings the Spartans to 1-1 in preseason play, while the loss marks MRU's first preseason defeat, and they are now 3-1.
The Spartans dominated the first three quarters and led 67-34, heading into the final 10 minutes.
Fifth-year guard
Myrlaine Shelvey (Langley, B.C.) led the Spartans with 21 points and six rebounds, followed by second-year forward
Moriah Jansen (Spallumcheen, BC) with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and fifth-year guard
Cassidy Buchanan (Aldergrove, B.C.) with 13 points and seven rebounds. Temi Ajayi led the Cougars with 14 points and four rebounds.
QUOTABLE
Cheryl Jean-Paul, TWU Head Coach
"Today's game was a great indication of our recovery from last night's tough finish. We felt that we didn't have the last eight minutes that we needed, so we really wanted to set the tone early. We did that with defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that led to scores, and getting after the offensive boards. Building the lead early was great, but being able to maintain it throughout took a lot of focus and team effort, and there was buy-in from everyone who stepped on the floor. Cassidy and Myrlaine lead the team in so many aspects of this game, but we are starting to see others emerge as scorers, defenders, and playmakers. So excited for things to come and the continued growth of this team."
UP NEXT
The Spartans will now head to Victoria, B.C. for the UVIC Invitational October 15-17. TWU opens the tournament against the Regina Cougars on Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. (PT) at the CARSA in Victoria. The Spartans open Canada West conference play on Thursday, October 29, on the road against the UBC Thunderbirds
NOTABLE
- The Spartans finished the night shooting 42.9 percent (30-70) from the field, 35 percent (7-20) from the three-point line, and 85.7 percent (12-14) from the foul line, while the Cougars shot 31.3 percent (20-64), 21.4 percent (3-14), and 77.8 percent (7-9), respectively.
- The Spartans finished with a 52-30 edge in rebounds, with both teams finishing with 24 turnovers.
- The Cougars had a 13-11 edge in steals.
- The Spartans are now 13-4 lifetime against the Cougars.
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby and women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 15 U SPORTS team championships and 35 Canada West team championships.
About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
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