Mackenzie Fineman scored a game-high 20 points as the Windsor Lancers defeated the McGill Martlets 65-48 in women’s basketball at the Darcel Wright Memorial Classic, held Friday at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. According to McGill University athletics reporting, the result dropped McGill’s preseason record to 1-4, while Windsor improved to 4-1.
Shooting Struggles and Rebound Disadvantage Sink Martlets
The statistical gap between the two programs proved decisive on Friday afternoon. McGill struggled mightily from beyond the arc, connecting on just one of 16 three-point attempts for a 6.3 percent success rate. By comparison, Windsor hit six of 27 from long distance.
The Lancers also controlled the glass, securing a 49-33 rebounding advantage that included 20 offensive boards. Windsor shot 33.9 percent overall from the field, while holding the Martlets to a 28.8 percent clip on 15-for-52 shooting. Both teams converted 17 free throws, though McGill needed 23 attempts to Windsor’s 26.
Individual Standouts for McGill and Windsor
Seyna Diggs led the Martlets with 20 points and a team-high six rebounds in 30 minutes of action. The senior forward from Montreal shot 8-for-23 from the floor, accounting for McGill’s lone successful three-pointer of the contest.
Rookie guard Sophie Dawe added 11 points and five rebounds for McGill, going 7-for-8 from the free-throw line in 29 minutes. Daniella Mbengo chipped in 10 points and two steals, while Justine Chatila and Evelie Colclough each contributed two points.
For Windsor, Fineman paced the offense with her 20 points on 7-for-16 shooting, adding four three-pointers, five rebounds, and two steals. Leah Tate and Jade Hunte scored nine points apiece, with Hunte dishing out a game-high four assists. Kali Grootenboer added seven points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots for the Lancers.
First-Quarter Surge Sets the Tone
Windsor seized control immediately, outscoring McGill 25-9 in the opening period behind 53.3 percent shooting while limiting the Martlets to three field goals. McGill bounced back in the second quarter with a 21-17 scoring edge, narrowing the deficit to 42-30 at halftime, powered by an 11-point frame from Diggs.
However, the Martlets endured another prolonged scoring drought in the third quarter, managing just five points on 2-for-13 shooting while committing eight turnovers. Windsor capitalized with a 14-5 run to push its lead to 56-35 entering the final period, rendering a late 13-9 McGill push in the fourth quarter insufficient.
Tournament Schedule and Upcoming Matchups
The Darcel Wright Memorial Classic concludes on Saturday at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. McGill faces the McMaster Marauders at noon local time, while Windsor squares off against the Saskatchewan Huskies at 2 p.m.
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