GUELPH, Ont. – For the second time in a three-day span, the Guelph Gryphons women's basketball team welcomed a nationally-ranked opponent to the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre, this time in the form of the No. 7-ranked Carleton Ravens for a Sunday afternoon matchup. The Gryphons went toe-to-toe with the defending U SPORTS champions, but ultimately fell just short, losing 67-65 to the visiting Ravens (8-2).
 
The Gryphons took a one-point lead with :27 seconds remaining in the final quarter after Sarah Holmes knocked down a jump shot to put the Gryphons ahead 65-64. The Ravens would respond, re-taking the lead on the ensuing possession with a lay in from Nicole Gilmore with :17 seconds to go to put Carleton in front 66-65. The Ravens would then force a U of G turnover, leading to a Carleton free throw, pushing the Ravens' lead to 67-65. In the dying seconds, the Gryphons would have one last chance to either tie the game or force overtime. A deep, three-point attempt from Sarah Holmes at the buzzer was off the mark, as the Ravens escaped Guelph with the two-point victory.
 
Four different Gryphons scored in double figures, with Sarah Holmes leading the way with 14 points on 7-14 shooting, to go along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Julia Kokonis recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Modupe Okeowo racked up 13 points off the bench in 19 minutes of floor time.
 
The Gryphons took a three-point lead into the locker room at the half, but the Ravens came out flying in the 3rd quarter, outscoring Guelph 24-15. The Gryphons were forced to play the majority of the second half without their leading scorer and rebounder as Burke Bechard was forced to leave the game due to injury.
 
The Gryphons will now break for exams and the holidays before resuming their OUA regular season schedule in early January with a pair of home games against the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
 
Gryphon Take
"That was a very gutsy performance verus a top 10 team without some of our key contributors like Skyla (Minaker) and Nyasha (Mombeshora). Losing Burke (Bechard) early in the second half made things difficult for us, but full credit to the rookies (Tatjana Boskovic and Maripier Kingsley) who stepped in and rose to the occasion. Some of our key vets have been playing through some pain, so it's a much needed exam and holiday break for us as we heal and repair."– head coach Mark Walton

 
The Record
Guelph is 4-6.

 
Next up
vs Lakehead - Friday, Jan. 4, 6 pm @ Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre