Yes, they had their hands full early.
But the Halifax Thunder turned aside the first quarter Moncton challenge and went on to down the Mystics, 96-64 to cap opening day play Saturday at the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association’s tournament session in Halifax.
Thunder moved to 8-0 on the season. Moncton fell to 2-5.
Karissa Kajorinne paced a balanced offensive attack with 17 points. She had plenty of help.
Vanessa Pickard popped 14, Tiffany Reynolds 12 and Karla Yepez had 11. Sandy Saunders and Grace Wade both had nine.
Lia St. Pierre pumped 22 for Moncton and Abby Miller potted 16. Jenna Jones added nine.
Thunder faces Port City Fog of Saint John on Sunday at 3 p.m. and Moncton meets Windsor Edge at 1 p.m.