Tommies fall short in final of Dyrick McDermott Invitational

The St. Thomas women’s basketball team fell short in the final of the Dyrick McDermott Invitational, losing to the AUS All-Stars by one point. The final was a rematch for the Tommies who beat the AUS All-Stars the first day of the tournament in overtime.

The teams were evenly matched in the final and the game was tied at 45 points with 22.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter. With less than 10 seconds left the AUS All-Stars were fouled on a rebound and hit one of two free throws to take the lead and eventually win the game 50-49.

The Tommies lost in the finals of the Dyrick McDermott Invitational

Fourth year co-captain Ashley Bawn, who led the Tommies with 16 points in the finals, said it was a tough loss.

“We knew it was going to be a close one, but even though we lost, those are the games we want to be in and learn the most from.”

The Tommies ended the tournament round robin play with a perfect 3-0 record. They secured their spot in the final by defeating the Sainte Foy Dynamiques, who are ranked second nationally, 73-69.

Head coach Fred Connors said he was pleased with the team’s effort on both ends of the floor.

“It wasn’t about winning this weekend, but more about building and seeing what we need to work on,” he said.

Connors said he felt the team showed character in their ability to battle through adverse situations and put themselves in a position to be successful.

“It is an important weekend because it starts us with some momentum and confidence heading into a league game against a team we have not yet seen,” he said.

The Tommies are undefeated in league play with a record of 8-0. They kick off the second half of their season against Mount Allison University Jan. 12 at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym.