Trojans over Queens in solid road effort

With the 2nd half of the ACAC Women's Basketball season underway, the Red Deer College Queens were looking for a strong effort Friday evening in Calgary against the SAIT Trojans. The Queens competed hard against a tough opponent but SAIT eventually won 74-65.

In the opening quarter, the Queens didn't show signs of rust after the break and came out hard. SAIT took a slight 19-17 lead after the 1st quarter. Kiana Mintz led the Queens with 11 points.

Nothing separated the two teams in the second quarter, as both sides scored 17 points. Maya Parker contributed 8 points and 2 rebounds for the Queens. At the half, the Trojans had a 36-34 lead.

The Queens exploded on a 9-2 run to open the 3rd quarter. SAIT eventually clawed back into the quarter, outscoring Red Deer College 19-17. After 3 quarters, the Trojans had a 55-51 edge. Dedra Janvier and Maya Parker each contributed 5 points for the Queens in the quarter. 

In the 4th quarter, SAIT outscored RDC 19-14 to cap off a 74-65 home victory. Maya Parker added another 5 points in the final quarter. As a team, the RDC Queens finished with 35 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 steals. The Queens shot 38.3% from the field, 33.3% from the 3-point-arch and 66.7% from the free throw line.

Queens Head Coach Ken King liked the effort from his team and also credited the Trojans.

"Our starting group worked very hard tonight. We had many student-athletes contributing for the Queens," said King. "I also give credit to SAIT. They have several effective 3-point shooters."

SAIT connected on 8-of-15 attempts (53.3%) from behind the 3-point-arch.

Looking ahead to Saturday's rematch, King wants to see a consistent defensive effort.

"I was pleased that that was no 3rd quarter lull," said King. "But tomorrow, we need to stick to our defensive plan and do that for a full 4 quarters."

Maya Parker was named the Queens player-of-the-game. The Bachelor of Science student had a strong game and finished with 19 points, 3 assists and 9 rebounds. 

Saturday at 1:00 p.m, the RDC Queens host the SAIT Trojans, in what should be a close contest.