VANCOUVER - The No. 1-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies (6-0) completed a weekend sweep of the UBC Thunderbirds women's basketball team (2-4) on Saturday afternoon with a 68-46 final.
 
Much like their first contest on Friday, Saskatchewan maintained a steady lead throughout, while UBC improved both offensively and defensively in the second half.   
 
The impressive efforts of and chemistry between Kara Spotton (Fort Collins, Colo.) and Diana Lee (North Vancouver), with 21 and 15 points respectively, accounted for 36 of UBC's 46 points.
 
The Huskies shooting remained consistent, finishing with 45.5 per cent from the field (25-45), while UBC improved from an 18.5 per cent performance in the first half to reach 30.8 per cent (16-52) by game's end. The T-Birds lost the turnover battle 24-14.
 
An early three-pointer from Saskatchewan's Sabine Dukate, who finished with a team-leading 21 points, set the tone for the opening quarter. A jump shot from Lee provided UBC with their only points in the opening seven minutes of the game.
 
Thanks in part to a five-point effort from Dalyce Emmerson in the closing two minutes of the quarter, Saskatchewan pulled away to a 17-7 lead heading into the second frame.
 
Solid Huskies defence early in the second quarter prevented UBC from getting a point in the first three minutes. Saskatchewan also excelled offensively, pulling away to a commanding 27-7 lead by the eight-minute mark.
 
The 'Birds brief scoring draught was ended with a free throw from Cherub Lum (Vancouver), followed by a three pointer from Lee at 6:25.
 
Despite an impressive six-point streak from Spotton, who sunk a layup and four free throws in just over two minutes, the Thunderbirds weren't able to close in on the Huskies who maintained a strong 35-18 lead heading into halftime.
 
While cutting into the Huskies lead proved difficult, UBC put in a solid third quarter and outscored Saskatchewan 17-16.
 
Spotton and Lee both had a stellar third quarter, accounting for all of UBC's 17 points. Spotton drained five jump shots, while Lee had two jump shots and a three-pointer.
 
Their efforts, coupled with an improved Thunderbirds defence, closed the gap to 51-35 heading into the final frame.
 
Lee and Spotton again contributed significantly, getting eight of UBC's 11 fourth-quarter points, but consistent scoring and a full-team effort from the Huskies prevented UBC from making a comeback.
 
The Thunderbirds will have a week to regroup before they head back east to face the Calgary Dinos (5-1) next weekend.
 
Saskatchewan will look to keep their perfect season in tact when they face the Trinity Western Spartans (3-3).