Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Banking their best offensive stretch so far this season in their last quarter out, the MacEwan Griffins have something to build off of heading out on their first road trip of the Canada West women's basketball campaign this weekend.
They scored 22 fourth-quarter points against Alberta in a 74-56 loss in Saturday's home opener. Although they're 0-2 after also losing the season opener at their cross-town rivals on Oct. 25, there is a building block in place as the Griffins visit Lethbridge on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (5 p.m., both games Canada West TV).
"Obviously post-game and the last few days you go through film and there's actually a lot of good things we're doing – moving the ball well and creating some good scoring opportunities that way," said head coach Katherine Adams. "So, we want to continue trying to emphasize that and look for more opportunities to do that, refine a few things so that we can generate more opportunities in that manner.
"Obviously, it's a different opponent with some different strengths. We have to take the time for what they bring to the table as well."
What they'll face is a Pronghorns squad with a lot of talent that hasn't lifted the lid on the regular season yet after a bye in their first weekend.
"They're a very interesting group in that they can hurt you in a lot of ways," said Adams. "They're a youthful team, yet a veteran team at the same time.
"They're a long, dynamic athletic group," she added. "They have a very different play style from Alberta. It's another challenge for us – different-type of team to prepare for, which is good."
Heading into the weekend, the Griffins are led by MacKenzie Farmer and Kayla Ivicak, who are both averaging 10.0 points per game.
The Pronghorns return fifth-year guard Kacie Bosch, who shared the team scoring lead last season with 12.2 points per game.