By Reid Kelly
The Ryerson Rams women’s basketball team beat the Toronto Varsity Blues 84-53 on Jan. 18 at the Goldring Centre.
Ryerson came out of the gate fiercely, going on a 12-2 run to start the game. The Rams ran hard, converting several open layups on transition opportunities and saw themselves lead 23-14 at the end of the first frame.
“We’re trying to play fast,” said Rams guard Hayley Robertson. “We’re trying to push the tempo and get good shots, and we’re able to do that by pressuring them on defence.”
Robertson led the Rams on offence, scoring 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds on 50 per cent shooting from the field.
“[Robertson] is playing great right now,” said Rams coach Carly Clarke. “She’s a great leader for us. Obviously, she’s scoring and facilitating, but I think her leadership is the most important thing she does, and it seems to be elevating every day.”
Ryerson guard Marin Scotten also poured in 21 points and four assists for the Rams.
The win came despite Rams star forward Jama Bin-Edward sitting out. She was injured in Ryerson’s last road game in Waterloo on Jan. 15. There is currently no timetable for her return.
Toronto got their offence rolling in the second, shooting 50 per cent from beyond the arc. They also managed to hold Ryerson to just 29.4 per cent from the field in the quarter.
It was turnovers that plagued Toronto’s offence in the first half, leading to many open transition opportunities for the Rams. They committed 23 turnovers on the night, and the first half came to a close with Ryerson leading 39-29.
The energy continued into the second for Ryerson, with forward Stefanija Mrvaljevic taking a charge in the first minute, sending the Rams’ bench into a frenzy.
In the second half, the Rams shut the door on the Varsity Blues, holding them to just 24 points in the final 20 minutes of play.
Coach Clarke emptied the bench in the fourth quarter and the Rams cruised to a 31-point win.
“No matter who you’re playing, even with the rivalry in Toronto, you never want to take your foot off the gas,” said Robertson. “We’re always trying to get better and become the best team come playoffs.”
Ryerson guard Marin Scotten also poured in 21 points and four assists. While off the bench, Rachel Farwell dropped 11 points and eight rebounds on 4-7 shooting in 21 minutes of action.
With the road win, the Rams currently sit first in the Ontario University Athletics standings and extend their winning streak to eight games.
Next week, the Rams will begin a four-game homestand and welcome the likes of Ottawa, Carleton, McMaster and Brock.
UP NEXT: Ryerson will prepare for their first and sole meeting with the No. 3 ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Jan. 24. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.
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