Semi-final 1: #2 Douglas Royals vs. #3 Capilano Blues

Blues headed to finals with comeback win over Royals in OT

Photos Box Score
Photo Credit: Paul Yates
Photo Credit: Paul Yates
March 4, 2016

In the first women’s semi-final of the 2016 PACWEST Basketball Provincial Championships the #2 Douglas College Royals played the #3 Capilano University Blues.

Right from the tip off, it was apparent just how much this game meant to both teams as they came out with incredible intensity and energy. The Blues got in foul trouble early as Carmel M’Bikata and fifth-year guard Jennafer Palma picked up two in the first quarter. PACWEST second team all-star Nanaya Miki couldn’t be stopped as she contributed 8 points to give the Royals a 17-15 lead after one; the Blues were lucky to get out of the quarter only down two as the Royals went 0-8 from the free throw line.

Throughout the second quarter, the Royals shredded the Blues’ defense with backdoor plays and extended their lead to 39-32 heading into the halftime break. Royals’ Miki finished with 17 first half points and 5 rebounds; the Blues were led by Michelle Errico and Karyn Nelson who chipped in 10 points a piece.

The Royals maintained their lead in a low scoring and foul heavy third quarter, 51-43. Every time it looked like the Royals were going to pull away for good, the Blues gained momentum with a huge steal or timely basket. With four minutes remaining, the Blues took their first lead since the first quarter, 57-56. Blues guard, Ashley De La Cruz Yip was able to drive the lane over and over in the fourth and with 26.8 seconds left it was all tied up 61-61, Blues ball. Blues couldn’t convert on the last possession and the game headed to overtime.

Blues guard Sherrie Errico hit five quick points to open up the scoring in extra time which led way to a Blues upset over the Royals 72-69. The Royals were led by Miki (26 points, 10 rebounds) and Sarah Jorgenson (11 points, 11 rebounds). Player of the game for the Blues, Ashley De La Cruz Yip was unstoppable in the fourth and ended with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Other notable performers for the Blues were Karyn Nelson (10 points, 11 rebounds) Carmel M’Bikata (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Michelle Errico (15 points).

The Capilano Blues move on to the gold medal match tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. verses the winner of today’s 6 p.m. semi-final match between the #1 VIU Mariners and the #4 Quest Kermodes.

 

Emily Wright,  CapU Sports Information Director