Never, ever a dull moment.
That’s an apt description when it’s time for the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association to determine its PRO•LINE Legacy Cup championship.
Four of the league’s PRO•LINE Legacy Cup championships have come down to the wire since the league formed in 2022 and this season’s final was no exception.
Just when it appeared the Halifax Thunder was going to run away with the title June 21, the Fredericton Freeze mounted a comeback that had fans – and players – on the edge of their seats.
In the end, Thunder would win its third PRO•LINE Legacy Cup in five years, but mark it down as another championship dandy.
Hoopsalytics is the MWBA’s official statistical data supplier.
We thought it would be fun to showcase Hoopsalytics’ breakdown of the championship game, an eventual 62-58 win for the Thunder over Fredericton.
Please enjoy the determining factors for this game via Hoopsalytics:
The Turnover Margin and Ball Security
The primary difference in this contest was ball security. Halifax Thunder committed only 15 turnovers while the Fredericton Freeze struggled with 25 giveaways. This discrepancy allowed the Thunder to sustain more scoring opportunities despite the Freeze’s dominance on the glass (48-40 rebounding advantage). The Thunder’s active defence, led by Justine Colley-Leger (four steals) and Bianca Helmig (five deflections), turned these mistakes into points, particularly in transition.
Efficiency Inside the Arc
While the Freeze was much more effective from beyond the arc—shooting 9/24 (37.5 per cent) compared to the Thunder’s 4/23 (17.4 per cent) —the Thunder won the battle inside. Thunder shot 18/45 (40.0 per cent) on two-point attempts, whereas the Freeze were held to just 11/37 (29.7 per cent) inside. The Thunder’s ability to get to the free-throw line also played a major role; it made 14/21 free throws, while the Freeze only reached the stripe for 14 attempts, making nine.
Game Defined by Two Major Momentum Shifts
- Freeze Early Surge: The Freeze opened the game with a commanding 11-1 run in the first six minutes, fueled by two three-pointers from Allie McCarthy and a layup by Maheva Ngassam.
- Thunder Response: After trailing early, the Thunder clawed back and eventually took control with a 23-10 run across the third quarter. A crucial three-pointer by Maddy White (2/5 from three arc) at the end of the third period gave the Thunder a 48-42 lead that it would not relinquish.
Key Performers
Elizabeth Beals-Iseyemi led the way for the Thunder, nearly recording a double-double while facilitating the offence.
Beals-Iseyemi, the league’s regular season MVP, finished with 17 points, shooting 6/13 on two-point attempts and 5/6 from the free-throw line. She added seven rebounds and five assists.
Bailey Russell was the standout for the Freeze, providing a consistent perimeter threat.
Russell scored a game-high 18 points, shooting 4/10 from 3-point range and 2/6 on two-point shots, while also grabbing seven rebounds.
Justine Colley-Leger provided high-energy defence and scoring in the paint for the Thunder and was named PRO•LINE Legacy Cup MVP.
Colley-Leger chipped in 11 points (3/8 2pt, 5/8 FT) and was a defensive pest with four steals, six deflections and a massive block on Russell late in the game with the final score in doubt.
Allie McCarthy anchored the interior for the Freeze while stretching the floor early.
McCarthy recorded 12 points (2/9 2pt, 2/5 3pt, 2/2 FT) and led all players with nine rebounds.
– Justine Colley-Leger got it done at both ends of the floor, named tournament final MVP. (Fran Harris Photo)
