OSHAWA, Ont. – The Durham College women's basketball team will miss the OCAA championship in back-to-back seasons, no thanks to the St. Clair Saints.
 
In 2014-15 in Windsor the Saints eliminated the Lords with a 73-60 win. Unlike last season though, Durham had a stronger start in this season's game in Oshawa. Unfortunately St. Clair played the better second half en route to their 73-58 victory and trip to the OCAA women's basketball championship hosted March 3-5 by Niagara College.
 
Using home court to their advantage, the Lords jumped out to an impressive 18-8 lead against the Saints after one quarter at the CRWC. In the second quarter Durham and St. Clair played fairly evenly, but in the final minute Durham's turnovers cost them a pair of baskets late. Rather than carry their 10-point lead forward into halftime, they led 35-29 at the break.
 
The late momentum from the first half carried over to the second as the Saints outscored Durham 23-16 in the third to take a 52-51 lead into the final ten minutes. That is where St. Clair shut the door as the dominated, holding the Lords to seven points, while scoring 21 of their own en route to their win.
 
Lindsay Panchan (Ajax, Ont.) finished tied for the game-high in scoring with 17 points. She also had 12 boards for a double-double.
 
Torrie Handsor also scored 17 points for the Saints with 11 boards for the games only other double-double.
 
Kayla Marshall (Ottawa, Ont.) added 14 points, while Courtney Harley (Cambridge, Ont.) picked up 13.
 
Durham's season has now finished for 2015-16, meaning the focus will now turn to recruitment and preparing for the 2016-17 campaign.
 
 
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE LORDS
Overall Record: 11-14
Conference Record: 8-6