Clash of the Titans: Huskies Edge Pandas 59-54 in Classic

EDMONTON, Alta. - In an instant classic to start the new year, the Saskatchewan Huskies rode a strong fourth quarter to a 59-54 victory over the Alberta Pandas Friday evening at the Saville Centre.

It was truly a clash of the titans, as the Huskies and Pandas came into the contest ranked first and second in the nation. Both teams also touted the top or penultimate offence and defences in the conference, along with both programs being undefeated at 10-0.

The Huskies held a small lead for the majority of the game, but were unable to find any sustained success against the Pandas defence until a strong fourth quarter opened the game up. Ella Murphy Wiebe and Maya Flindall led the squad with 11 points apiece, while Murphy Wiebe added a game-high three blocks. They move to 11-0 and continue a remarkable winning streak dating back to November 2024, the last time the defending national champions lost a game.

The Pandas effort was incredible, especially considering the loss of veteran star Reece Hall who got injured late in the second quarter. They held the top offence in the conference to a 35% mark from the field, but ultimately could not produce any offence of their own in the loss. Annacy Palmer paced all scorers with a game-high 13. They move to 10-1, and are now tied for second in their division.

To the surprise of no one, it was near impossible to get a basket on either side to start the game, as the first and second ranked defenses in the conference went to work. The Huskies and Pandas shot 31 and 30 percent, respectively, from the field as the first quarter ended 13-12 for the visitors.

The offence thawed in the second, as Isabela Jickling for the visitors, and Annacy Palmer for the hosts opened the game up with some impressive driving layups. However, near the end of the quarter Alberta fourth-year Reece Hall had to leave the game with an injury, and the nature was such that the game took an early halftime, with 2:38 to go in the frame.

When play resumed, the Huskies took a 31-29 lead into the "half" with Jickling leading all scorers with nine.

The Pandas came out with an impressive response in the third quarter, going on a quick 5-1 run to regain the lead and inspire a raucous Saville Centre crowd to raise the decibel level. However, it was a back-and-forth frame from there, ending 40-40 and setting up what promised to be a thrilling final quarter. The low scoring environment was remarkable, as the teams shot just three-for-30 from beyond the arc to this point in the game.

Turns out, it was only thrilling for the visiting side. Saskatchewan shot out of a cannon in the fourth, going on a 9-2 run punctuated by a Grassick three off an offensive rebound in what was certainly a microcosm of the Pandas struggles on the defensive end. The Huskies looked like they had it all wrapped up as they led by 13 points at the midpoint of the quarter. However, credit to the Pandas who kept battling in what quickly turned into a bonus quarter on both sides. An aggressive full court press was enough to chip away at the Huskies lead, and with 31 seconds left Palmer hit a massive three to bring the deficit to three. However, an unbelievable defensive effort on the ensuing Alberta possession would seal a massive win for the visitors.

The teams return to do battle again tomorrow night at the Saville Centre.