The Fredericton Freeze is not built to score big numbers.
Halifax Thunder is.
Although the Freeze held a 52-49 halftime lead following a wildly exciting and offensive-minded first 20 minutes, the Thunder would find its groove and move to 8-0 on the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association season, winning an 88-79 decision over hometown Fredericton.
Freeze moved to 4-4 and remain tied in third place with idle Port City Fog of Saint John.
Halifax will win its third straight regular season pennant and has not lost a regular season game since the MWBA opened in 2022, going 28-0 over that span.
This was a battle, but it was Thunder which came out on fire, leading 33-26 after a frame and knocking down nine triples in the first half. The Freeze countered with seven treys and carried that lead into the lockerroom, but it was not to be.
Alaina McMillan paced Halifax with 19 points. Sami Russell scored 15, Grace Lancaster had 14 and Kiera Duffie dropped a baker’s dozen. Sandy Saunders scored 11.
Amanda Russell and Bailey Russell both scored 15 points for Fredericton. Allie McCarthy had 14 and Katie Butts counted 10.
– Allie McCarthy of the Freeze goes high to the rim (Fran Harris Photo)
