VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds dropped to 4-3 after losing 72-62 to the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday night in Saskatoon. The Huskies controlled the game for three quarters, and by the time the Thunderbirds got some momentum going it was too little, too late.

The loss overshadows yet another strong performance from Kris Young (North Vancouver) and Leigh Stansfield (Victoria, B.C.). Young was 9 for 15 from the field with a double-double 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Stansfield had 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting.

The Huskies shot just under 50 per cent from the field, and three players finished in double digits. Reigning Canada West Rookie of the Year Dalyce Emmerson (Prince Albert, Sask.) lead the way with 20 points and 12 boards, while rookie Desarae Hogberg (Regina) and veteran Keira Lyons (Ryley, Alta.) followed up with 13 and 10 points respectively.

The Thunderbirds appeared to be moving the ball well in the first half, but were unable to convert on some excellent chances. Despite this, Young got an and-one and pulled her team within three near the end of the second quarter. However, the Huskies then scored a couple easy buckets and went off to halftime with a 32-24 lead.

The Huskies carried this momentum into the third and outscored the Thunderbirds 26-15 in the quarter. Seemingly every Huskie on the floor was shooting the ball well, and they made the Thunderbirds pay for their turnovers. A three-ball by Kabree Howard (Regina) at the buzzer capped it off and the Huskies entered the final ten minutes with a 19-point lead.

With about four minutes remaining, UBC point guard Maggie Sundberg (Mansfield, Conn.) forced a Saskatchewan turnover and Alyssa Binns (Port Moody, B.C.) hit a three-ball on the ensuing offensive play, making it 66-55 Saskatchewan. Suddenly the Huskies lead, which had been over 20 points just a few minutes earlier, was not looking as comfortable.

However, the Thunderbirds were unable to sink enough shots consecutively to put in a serious run on the Huskies. After having a few previous fourth quarter collapses, the Huskies remained composed this time and controlled the play well enough that the two teams just traded baskets as the time ran out.

The win was Saskatchewan's first at home and moves them to a 3-4 record. They will host the University of Victoria tomorrow night.

UBC will now fly to Edmonton for a Saturday evening contest with the Alberta Pandas. The game will tip-off at 4 p.m. Pacific and will be streamed live at www.canadawest.tv.