WBB: Cougars upset Pandas for a spot in Final Four
March 6, 2022
The University of Regina are making their way to Saskatchewan for the Final Four weekend, after defeating the University of Alberta 71-80.
The Cougars came out ready to prove their ability against the nationally ranked Pandas, holding two of Alberta's three all-stars, Claire Signatovich and Morgan Harris, to only 12 points between them.
Regina's scouting report paid off in more ways than that. The Cougars were able to pick through the Panda's defensive and offensive structure to provide gaps on the court for open shots.
Faith Reid, ranked eighth overall in Canada West for shooting, sank seven shots from beyond the arch on 39 per cent. Reid finished the night with an impressive 21 points and four rebounds in favour of U of R.
"It was a little bit of a worry thinking we would be tired but no, we came out so good and I'm just so proud of everyone," said Cara Misskey, a first-year guard for the Cougars.
The star of the show for the Cougars was Misskey, who built on her impressive performance from last night's win over UNBC. Misskey, on top of her seven assists on the court, had 14 points, three rebounds and shot a huge 42 per cent. Her performance rightfully named her Regina's player of the game.
"It feels so great, you know, coming in as an underdog and not having much preparation for this team, we're not used to playing in this gym, we haven't played this team yet. So, it's such a great feeling to come in and lead by that much and take a win," said Misskey. "This is a lot of our teammates' first time being at playoffs, being at Final Four. So, it's just, it's going to be crazy."
Alberta stumbled through the first half of play, only finding their stride midway through the third quarter. The usually dominant squad ended the first quarter trailing by 11 and were unable to close the gap.
In the fourth quarter they began to play as the team the west is used to seeing on the hardwood, holding Regina to 16 points while putting up 20 of their own.
Emma Kary stepped up to fill the void created when Regina locked up Alberta's two remaining all-stars. Kary more than doubled her stats in the fourth quarter, taking her game from eight points to 19 in 10 minutes. She was able to shoot 50 per cent from all over the court tonight, making four of eight threes and seven of 14 from inside the arch.
"We never give up and that shows in this game. Down 20 at one point I think and my team just never rolls over and dies," said Kary. "I'm super proud of the way we always stick together and play hard. So that's something we are going to keep doing moving forwards into the next season I guess."
Kary was rightfully named the Panda's player of the game after playing against intense pressure.
"I knew I had an awesome team and an awesome coaching staff on my back. I think having a support system like that, it was just awesome for me," said Kary. "When you feel confident and you have such a great group of girls to work with, it's just fun."
On the court Kary was backed up by Signatovich in the post. Signatovich wasn't able to add a large amount to the score sheet, but she was able to grab 17 of the team's 42 rebounds from tonight.
Alberta finished the regular season ranked number one in the Central Division, and seven in U SPORTS national rankings. The squad, regardless of being down for nearly the entire game, kept their heads high and battled.
With tonight's win, Regina will move on to the semi-finals, hosted by the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, on March 18. From here they will hope to secure their spot in the CW women's basketball championship, and a spot at the U SPORTS national championship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.
Their semi-final opponent will be decided in tonight's match-up between the University of Fraser Valley Cascades and the University of Winnipeg Wesmen.
The Cougars came out ready to prove their ability against the nationally ranked Pandas, holding two of Alberta's three all-stars, Claire Signatovich and Morgan Harris, to only 12 points between them.
Regina's scouting report paid off in more ways than that. The Cougars were able to pick through the Panda's defensive and offensive structure to provide gaps on the court for open shots.
Faith Reid, ranked eighth overall in Canada West for shooting, sank seven shots from beyond the arch on 39 per cent. Reid finished the night with an impressive 21 points and four rebounds in favour of U of R.
"It was a little bit of a worry thinking we would be tired but no, we came out so good and I'm just so proud of everyone," said Cara Misskey, a first-year guard for the Cougars.
The star of the show for the Cougars was Misskey, who built on her impressive performance from last night's win over UNBC. Misskey, on top of her seven assists on the court, had 14 points, three rebounds and shot a huge 42 per cent. Her performance rightfully named her Regina's player of the game.
"It feels so great, you know, coming in as an underdog and not having much preparation for this team, we're not used to playing in this gym, we haven't played this team yet. So, it's such a great feeling to come in and lead by that much and take a win," said Misskey. "This is a lot of our teammates' first time being at playoffs, being at Final Four. So, it's just, it's going to be crazy."
Alberta stumbled through the first half of play, only finding their stride midway through the third quarter. The usually dominant squad ended the first quarter trailing by 11 and were unable to close the gap.
In the fourth quarter they began to play as the team the west is used to seeing on the hardwood, holding Regina to 16 points while putting up 20 of their own.
Emma Kary stepped up to fill the void created when Regina locked up Alberta's two remaining all-stars. Kary more than doubled her stats in the fourth quarter, taking her game from eight points to 19 in 10 minutes. She was able to shoot 50 per cent from all over the court tonight, making four of eight threes and seven of 14 from inside the arch.
"We never give up and that shows in this game. Down 20 at one point I think and my team just never rolls over and dies," said Kary. "I'm super proud of the way we always stick together and play hard. So that's something we are going to keep doing moving forwards into the next season I guess."
Kary was rightfully named the Panda's player of the game after playing against intense pressure.
"I knew I had an awesome team and an awesome coaching staff on my back. I think having a support system like that, it was just awesome for me," said Kary. "When you feel confident and you have such a great group of girls to work with, it's just fun."
On the court Kary was backed up by Signatovich in the post. Signatovich wasn't able to add a large amount to the score sheet, but she was able to grab 17 of the team's 42 rebounds from tonight.
Alberta finished the regular season ranked number one in the Central Division, and seven in U SPORTS national rankings. The squad, regardless of being down for nearly the entire game, kept their heads high and battled.
With tonight's win, Regina will move on to the semi-finals, hosted by the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, on March 18. From here they will hope to secure their spot in the CW women's basketball championship, and a spot at the U SPORTS national championship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.
Their semi-final opponent will be decided in tonight's match-up between the University of Fraser Valley Cascades and the University of Winnipeg Wesmen.