The offence sputtered early for both teams, but came alive in the second half as the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association kicked off its second season with an exhibition game in Miramichi on Sunday.
When the dust settled, it was the Fredericton Freeze downing Port City Fog of Saint John, 76-59, following a strong fourth quarter.
Port City had taken the lead in the third quarter after trailing 26-21 at halftime, but trailed by three – 41-38 – through three periods.
Fredericton’s offence would erupt with 35 points in the pivotal fourth to win the game in front of a crowd of over 450 at Miramichi Valley High School.
Katie Butts and Kylee Speedy – both teammates with the Atlantic University Sport University of New Brunswick Reds – had 18 points apiece to spark the Freeze. Robbi Daley, returning to the Freeze for her second season, scored nine.
Kaylee Kilpatrick, the former University of New Hampshire Wildcats’ star and veteran European and Australian professional, was dominant for Port City with 17 points and making life tough in the paint for Fredericton.
The Freeze returns to action Saturday when it visits Moncton Mystics.
Game time is 1 p.m. at Harrison Trimble High School.