Acadia falls to UPEI in AUS semifinal

HALIFAX — The Acadia Axewomen struggled offensively in a 76-50 loss to the UPEI Panthers in the AUS basketball semifinal Saturday at the Scotiabank Centre.

Acadia shot just 30.4 per cent from the field and 7.1 per cent from three-point range, while UPEI capitalized on its chances, shooting 47.5 per cent and leading from start to finish.

Samantha Russell led Acadia with 14 points and 11 rebounds, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Sarah Delorey added 11 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bianca Helmig chipped in eight points and three assists.

UPEI's Devon Lawlor led all scorers with 16 points, while Grace Lancaster added 14. Sydney Cummins controlled the boards with 10 rebounds, and Deborah Aboagye anchored the defence with three blocks.

The Panthers set the tone early, leading 23-14 after the first quarter. Acadia managed just nine points in the second, trailing 38-23 at halftime. The third quarter was evenly matched, but UPEI maintained its lead and outscored Acadia 16-7 in the final frame.

UPEI advances to the AUS championship final, while Acadia's season comes to an end.