Posted: Mar 06, 2026
Semi Finals - Game 2
After opening the tournament with difficult losses, both the Lethbridge Kodiaks and Briercrest Clippers came into this matchup determined to change the narrative. From the opening tip, both teams applied strong defensive pressure, challenging every pass and forcing the ball handler to work hard just to bring the ball up the floor. The first half was physical and low-scoring, with both teams battling to create space for quality shots.
The Kodiaks were able to break the press a few times for easy transition layups, while the Clippers found much of their offense from beyond the arc. By halftime, Briercrest held a narrow 28–25 lead.
Clippers' #6 Waind opened the scoring with a three-pointer just a minute into the game. Kodiaks' #9 Summer Long quickly answered with a three of her own a minute later. The Clippers responded with the next two baskets, both set up by #9 Sunderland. She first found #24 Neustaeter with a sharp bounce pass on a strong drive to the basket, and then delivered a pass over the top to #7 Prinsen for an easy layup with five minutes remaining in the quarter.
Late in the third quarter, Long hit another three-pointer to pull the Kodiaks within two points. Neustaeter answered with a basket inside off a well-timed feed, but Long responded again, grabbing a rebound and finishing for two. Clippers' #3 Duerksen added a mid-range jumper from the top of the key, and Briercrest carried a 39–35 lead into the final quarter after a stretch dominated by tough defense and forced turnovers.
The fourth quarter saw the intensity rise. Kodiaks' #22 Wells-Creighton knocked down two free throws after drawing a foul on a drive, and #11 Heins gave Lethbridge their first lead with a three-pointer at the seven-minute mark. Long followed with a strong drive to extend the lead on the next possession.
The Clippers quickly responded. #13 Beattie knocked down a three to tie the game, but Heins answered with another three for the Kodiaks. Briercrest then strung together three consecutive baskets. #10 Matuszewski scored on a short jumper after a well-placed pass under the rim, Beattie attacked the basket for two, and Waind found space for a layup to put the Clippers ahead 48–45 with three minutes remaining.
Waind extended the lead with a three-pointer at the 2:20 mark. In the closing minute, Matuszewski split a pair of free throws. The Kodiaks tried to rally when #6 Kumson converted an and-one opportunity after a late defensive closeout, but the Clippers held their composure at the free-throw line. Matuszewski added another split pair and then knocked down two more in the final moments to seal the game.
Briercrest secured the 55–48 victory and will move on to play in the Consolation Final tomorrow.
Players of the Game:
Clippers – #6 Sydney Waind: 13 points, 3 steals, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Kodiaks – #9 Summer Long: 19 points, 3 steals, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
Clippers – #6 Sydney Waind: 13 points, 3 steals, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Kodiaks – #9 Summer Long: 19 points, 3 steals, 7 rebounds, 1 assist