Reds Rally Past Hawks

(ST. JOHN'S, NL) The UNB Reds completed a weekend sweep of two four-point games against the Memorial Sea-Hawks with a come from behind 77-70 win on Sunday.

"It's very hard to win on the road in this conference," said Reds head coach Jeff Speedy. "To get two here is special."

The game started well for the Hawks, who got a quick two points off the opening tip. UNB didn't let this damper their efforts, forcing themselves inside the paint, creating multiple opportunities for second-chance points.

Eva Tumwine (Fredericton, NB) led this charge with seven points and six rebounds in the first half. The Reds held the lead 17-12 after the first quarter, and were up 38-32 at the half.

"Eva played very well," said Speedy. "We needed her to score and rebound, and she did both all weekend."

At the end of the second quarter, Sydney Stewart (London, ON) hit a deep buzzer beater for the Sea-Hawks. The shot seemed to spur the home team on to a big third quarter, coming out blazing hot with a 16-3 run.

Despite the run, the Hawks were unable to carry the momentum into the final quarter and UNB would once again take the lead.

"I'm very proud of the mental toughness we showed today and how we stuck together as a team through a rough third quarter," said Speedy.

The Hawks had to deal with foul trouble late and UNB shot a fantastic 53-percent from the field in the final frame.

Grace Simpson (Fredericton, NB) had 10 points in the fourth quarter while Ja'Yon Leak (Charlotte, NC) added six of her team-high 22 points.

Leak was named Subway Player of the Game.

"Jay had a rough game yesterday(Saturday)," said Speedy. "It was great to see her bounce back. She was money from the foul line and on D today."

Up next for Memorial, a weekend visit to Acadia.

The Reds, now 6-3 this season, return home to host Cape Breton in a weekend series, Friday and Saturday.

RECAP BY: Memorial Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Taz Uddin/for Memorial Athletics