By Jainaba Loum
In a high-stakes Ontario University Athletics (OUA) semi-final, the best team in the country, the Carleton Ravens, asserted their dominance over the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s basketball team, securing a 76-60 victory at the Ravens’ Nest in Ottawa on Saturday night.
The loss eliminates TMU from their quest for the Critelli Cup, while Carleton advances to the OUA final, where they will play the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
The two teams were familiar with each other after playing at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Jan. 11, where the Bold came up close but ultimately lost 63-56. The Ravens thrived throughout what is now their second undefeated regular season in program history.
The game started with Carleton striking first, thanks to a lay-up from fourth-year guard Tatyana Burke, setting the tone early on. However, fourth-year guard Jayme Foreman quickly found her groove, downing a three-pointer to get TMU on the board. Foreman continued her hot start, knocking down two more threes and scoring nine early points. Despite her efforts, the Ravens were able to capitalize with their offence, taking a 23-15 lead by the end of the first quarter and leaving the Bold in a vulnerable position.
A minute into the second quarter, Kaillie Hall scored a lay-up, hinting at a potential comeback, but Carleton continued to dominate in transition. After a timeout at 31-19, TMU momentarily responded, with Hall scoring again. However, Carleton’s ability to secure offensive rebounds and capitalize on second and third chances widened the gap.
With just under two minutes left, fourth-year forward Haley Fedick came up with a crucial block, leading to a field goal for Foreman, assisted by third-year guard Kait Nichols. Once again, Carleton answered right back and kept rolling, extending their lead to 55-33 by halftime. TMU’s defence struggled to contain the Ravens, while Carleton found ways to consistently generate high-percentage shots.
Foreman opened the third quarter with another three-pointer, bringing her total to 12 points. Although the Bold had some good defensive moments—highlighted by Franco DeRyck making key blocks leading to baskets—they struggled to convert offensively, missing multiple shots.
Carleton took advantage, pulling ahead by 20 points again with four minutes left in the third. Foreman kept TMU in the game, finishing with 17 points by the quarter’s end, but the Ravens entered the final period with a 69-46 lead, firmly in control of the game.
The Ravens’ offence was not just unstoppable but multi-faceted, with five players in double digits. Third-year forward Jacqueline Urban led the way with 17 points and 15 rebounds in the game.
A minute into the fourth quarter, Carleton extended their lead to 72-46. Despite the deficit, TMU fought hard, with second-year guard Catrina Garvey and Foreman adding to the scoreboard.
With just under five minutes left, TMU trailed 75-50, making a comeback unlikely. Still, the Bold played with determination, with Foreman hitting a final three-pointer in the last 34 seconds to bring the final score to 76-60. She reached a team-high 22 points and brought what was a huge gap a lot closer, but it was not enough to get the blue-and-gold further in the playoffs.
For Carleton, this victory cements their place in the OUA championship game as they chase what could be their fifth Critelli Cup.
Meanwhile, the Bold’s season comes to an end. With Foreman and Hall among players set to leave the squad, they’ll aim to set a sturdy foundation for next season.
