No David vs. Goliath, this was a battle of two titans. Grant McEwan, undefeated this season lost their first game against the Sainte-Foy Dynamiques with a final score of 67-61.
Right from the start, the Dynamiques used an aggressive full-court press. Their defense got them in foul trouble, five before the four-minute mark. But it gave them a lead, one they maintained for three quarters.
The Griffins success in the game depended on whether they could utilize their height advantage in the paint. Drive after drive, the Dynamiques used their fast style of play, either getting the basket, or getting the Griffins in the same foul trouble in the process.
A quick timeout by Griffin head coach Rob Poole, the Griffins seemed to recognize their advantage. Working hard to get out of the Dynamiques full court press was Kristen Monasterski, tallest on the court and scoring leader.
The second quarter was marked with a significant amount of successful three-pointers from both teams. The inside paint got a break.
It was an equal match between the two teams. The Dynamiques lead from the first was the only difference.
The teams went into half time with the Dynamiques with a nine point lead .
The Dynamiques strategy was run the clock and work to get a shot. Leading scorer, Sarah-Jane Marois, came up big, working as much time as possible, getting a significant drive and basket in the process.
Next play, she gave up the ball to Jessilyn Fairbanks with a big layup to bring them to within 5. Again, the Dynamiques worked as much time off the clock, with the result being number 11 with a clutch three-pointer.
With 30 seconds left and a score of 66-60 for the Dynamiques there was no time to waste.
The Griffiths worked the ball for the last few seconds but a three-point attempt by number 8, Bayan Kurd came up short.
A game summary provided by the Griffins coach said about the same.
“We didn’t perform the way we needed in a national championship. . . St. Foy did.”
The stats reflected that sentiment. 6 free-throws made, 12 attempted in the second half for the Griffins and only four three-pointers in the first, only 2 in the second.
The end result is the first loss for the Griffins, but a bronze medal can still be achieved tomorrow. For the Dynamiques, they’ll be ready to face either Dawson or Algonquin.