LENNOXVILLE, QUE – Emma-Jane Scotten scored a game-high 17 points and Stephy Tchoukuiegno added 16 but it was insufficient as the McGill women's basketball team suffered a 73-57 setback in the RSEQ season opener at Mitchell Gym, Thursday.

It marked the official opening to the 103rd year of women's intercollegiate basketball season in Canada since a 21-16 McGill victory over Queen's in 1919-20. The result also the first league victory for new Gaiters bench boss Dianna Ros, who played five seasons at McGill and served as an associate coach with the Martlets last year. She was later presented with the game ball during a halftime ceremony at the men's game.

Bishop's won all four quarters, leading 22-21 after the first, 44-32 at the half and 61-46 after three, then took the final stanza 12-11.

Montrealer Jael Kabunda paced the Gaiters with a 16-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance. Others in double-digits included Amaiquen Siciliano (15 pts) and Victoria Gauna (14 pts).

Rounding out the scoring for McGill was Katie Rathwell with nine points, in addition to Charlotte Guerin, who had six points, with a game-high 10 rebounds and Daniella Mbengo (5 pts).

The Matlets had a 42-33 edge in rebounding but committed 30 turnovers compared to 14 by Bishop's.

The Gaiters shot 45.2 per cent from the field (28/62), made four of 20 from three-point range and drained 13 of 19 from the free-throw line. McGill replied with 32.8 per cent from the floor (19/58), went 6-for-22 from the arc and 13-for-18 from the stripe.

McGill (0-1) plays at Laval (0-0) on Saturday (Nov. 5), while Bishop's (1-0) returns to the court on Nov. 10 when they travel to Concordia (0-1).

BOXSCORE

RSEQ STANDINGS & STATS

SOURCE:
 
Earl Zukerman
Sports Information Officer
Athletics & Recreation
McGill University
514-398-7012
www.mcgillathletics.ca
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
@EarlZukerman (twitter)