(VERSION FRANÇAISE SUIT)
MONTREAL — Emilia Diaz-Ruiz recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds as McGill upset previously undefeated Laval 56–50 in RSEQ women's university basketball, Saturday afternoon at Love Competition Hall. The Martlets improved to 3–2 with the win, while the Rouge et Or dropped to 4–1.
McGill led from start to finish, taking a 16–12 advantage after the opening quarter, 34–27 at halftime and 44–39 through three, before outscoring Laval 12–11 in the final frame to secure the six-point victory. In the previous matchup between these provincial rivals, Laval also never took the lead, until winning 65-59 in overtime.
Diaz-Ruiz went 7-for-16 from the floor and added four assists with one steal. Lily Rose Chatila contributed 14 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals, while Erica Simeone chipped in eight points and four boards. Emma-Jane Scotten anchored McGill's defence with 12 rebounds, and Katie Rathwell and Laura Wells each drained a pair of three-pointers.
Brinly Holt led the Rouge et Or with 13 points and five assists, while Léa-Sophie Verret added nine points and nine rebounds. Laval's bench provided 30 points, but McGill's defensive resilience and rebounding strength limited the visitors to 22 points in the paint.
The Martlets shot 37.9 per cent from the field, including 6-for-23 from three-point range, while a spirited defensive effort stifled Laval to shoot just 29.0 per cent overall and 4-for-17 from deep. Both teams finished at 66.7 per cent from the free-throw line, with McGill going 6-for-9 and Laval 10-for-15. McGill also controlled the glass 39–35 and held a slight edge in points off turnovers, 9–6, despite committing 18 turnovers to Laval's 10.
The Martlets improved to 79–101 all-time against Laval, which will host the U SPORTS national Final Eight championship next March. McGill will make the short trip downtown to face UQAM (0–4) on Nov. 29 at 2 p.m., while Laval visits Bishop's (3–1) on Nov. 27.
BOXSCORE
RSEQ STANDINGS & STATS
U SPORTS NATIONAL STATS
===============================================================
