Source: CBC News, March 11, 2016
U of S Huskies, U of R Cougars could face each other in the Canada West championship this weekend
A basketball battle is brewing in Saskatoon as both Saskatchewan universities hit the court tonight looking to score tickets to the national championship tournament.
Both women’s basketball teams from the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan play in the Canada West Final Four tournament at the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) on the U of S campus starting tonight.
The Regina Cougars face off against the Griffins from MacEwan University at 5 p.m. CST, then the hometown Huskies play the Alberta Pandas at 7 p.m. The winners of both games will not only meet in Saturday night’s Canada West Championship, they will also earn a trip to the Canadian national championship tournament in Fredericton later this month.
“We’ve probably had two of the best practices of the year this week,” said Lisa Thomaidis, head coach of the Huskies.
“If that’s any indication, they’re instilling a lot of confidence. We’re as prepared as we’re going to be.”
The Huskies were the No. 1-ranked team in the country for several weeks this season, losing only twice. One of those losses came against Regina, the other came against Alberta.
U of R Cougars carry momentum into Final Four weekend
After missing the Final Four tournament last year, the Regina Cougars are back and beaming with confidence after defeating Calgary last weekend to earn the right to play tonight. Head coach Dave Taylor said his team has lofty goals now.
“Our goal is to win Canada West and win nationals because we think we’re close enough,” said Taylor. “It wouldn’t be a shocking upset if we win these games.”
Should the Cougars and Huskies win, it sets up an all-Saskatchewan final on Saturday night at the PAC. Home court advantage has been crucial for the Huskies all season long.
“Our players know how much that means to them — being able to sleep in their own beds and go through our regular routine and being here in preparation for these games is a big advantage for us,” said Thomaidis.