Posted: Mar 06, 2026
Semi Finals - Game 3
SAIT Trojans vs NAIT Ooks faced off in a highly anticipated matchup between neighbouring rivals, the game lived up to its billing from the opening tip.
SAIT struck first, draining a three-pointer on their opening possession. The NAIT Ooks answered immediately with a three of their own on the next trip down the floor. What initially looked like it might turn into a three-point shootout quickly shifted into a physical inside battle. The Trojans were first to attack the paint, scoring on a strong drive, but the Ooks responded with three aggressive drives of their own. By the end of the first quarter, NAIT held a 16–8 lead.
Early in the second quarter, Ooks' #9 Reed followed up her own missed three-pointer—off the side of the backboard—by grabbing the rebound and knocking down a mid-range jumper. The Trojans answered with a three from #4 Kearls. Moments later, #0 Wright delivered hard contact on back-to-back plays, igniting the Trojans' energy. SAIT responded by attacking the paint and scoring three consecutive baskets inside to take a narrow 21–20 lead.
The Ooks managed to scramble for a basket to briefly regain momentum, but the Trojans closed the half with a smooth three-pointer. After an intense first half filled with smothering defense, SAIT led 24–23 at the break.
For the Trojans, #20 Sparks and #7 Varga each had 7 points at halftime, while Ooks' #6 Payton Neilson led all scorers with 10.
In a game that was extremely fast and tough because of the physical play, the second half began with the Ooks scoring inside, followed by both teams trading three-pointers. Neilson then shifted the momentum for NAIT. She stole an inbound pass at her own end and raced the length of the floor for a layup. On the next possessions, she knocked down a long two-point jumper and then attacked the paint again, bouncing off defenders and still finishing the layup.
With two and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter, both teams had reached the foul limit. The intensity was evident during a wild scramble for a loose ball that lasted more than ten seconds, highlighting the determination from both sides. Trojans' #7 Varga drained a three-pointer, but Neilson answered with a three of her own after her defender lost her footing. The Ooks carried a slim 41–39 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with #5 Varga driving hard for SAIT and converting an and-one opportunity. Neilson quickly responded for NAIT, knocking down a three-pointer after a crisp sequence of passing and a well-set screen.
A chaotic stretch followed. Trojans' #8 Iwanusiw slipped between two defenders for a crafty scoop layup, but #14 Culshaw answered with a basket off a nice feed from the Ooks. SAIT's #0 Kaketsis added a short jumper before Culshaw scored again, finishing another strong transition play.
Reed continued to contribute for NAIT, driving through the key for a tough basket. Varga countered with a three for the Trojans, but Reed answered right back with a three of her own after coming off a well-timed screen. Culshaw then grabbed an offensive rebound and finished the putback, while Neilson added a pull-up mid-range jumper.
Trojans' #11 Van Winkle scored on a strong post move, but Neilson pushed the Ooks' lead to nine with a smooth floater with four minutes remaining. Iwanusiw responded with a drive for SAIT, though the Trojans suffered a scare moments later when Neilson appeared to roll her ankle on the defensive end.
The Ooks continued to execute down the stretch. #4 Sellars knocked down her first three-pointer of the game, and Reed followed with a remarkable shot as the shot clock expired. Trojans' Culshaw fought to keep SAIT close with a layup, but Sellars and #2 Cartmell calmly sank two free throws each in the final minute to secure the win.
NAIT pulled away late to claim a 71–57 victory.
Players of the Game
Trojans – #20 Kitawna Sparks: 13 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals
Ooks – #6 Payton Neilson: 34 points, 9 rebounds
Trojans – #20 Kitawna Sparks: 13 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals
Ooks – #6 Payton Neilson: 34 points, 9 rebounds