London, ON - Western dominated both ends of the court in a commanding 91 to 54 win over Ontario Tech.
On a spooky Friday night inside Alumni Hall, the Mustangs delivered a statement performance, overpowering the visiting Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 91 to 54 to even their record at 1 to 1. The energy in the gym matched the Halloween atmosphere, loud, lively, and at times electric, as the Mustangs controlled the game from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
"I think we are a little more balanced this year. Our depth is stronger, and that is not a knock on last year's group. We just had so many injuries. Now that everyone is healthy, we are able to use our depth to wear teams down." said Mustangs Head Coach Nate McKibbon "We have also got stronger post play, which gives us a more complete and flexible lineup. Our wings do not have to guard posts as much, so we can use our length and speed more effectively."
From the start, Western's pace set the tone. The Mustangs opened with a lightning quick bucket, only for Ontario Tech to answer with an early three. But Western's number two, Renee Armstrong, responded instantly, draining a corner triple that forced Ontario Tech to call an early timeout. That sequence foreshadowed the kind of aggressive, fast tempo basketball Western would sustain all night.
Behind dominant rebounding from Emily Capretta and Natalie VanHeeswyk, Western owned the glass, converting offensive boards into second chance points and limiting Ontario Tech's scoring opportunities. By the end of the first quarter, the Mustangs had built a commanding 30 to 13 lead, a margin created by relentless hustle and crisp defensive rotations.
The second quarter began more measured, both sides trading baskets and fast break opportunities. Ontario Tech found brief rhythm with a three pointer midway through the frame, but Western quickly reclaimed control. As the clock ticked down, Sydney Cowan, who was spectacular all night, buried a buzzer beating three pointer that sent the crowd roaring and pushed Western's advantage to 50 to 35 at halftime.
Cowan continued her takeover after the break. The third quarter opened with back to back steals from Paris Alexander, igniting the Mustangs' defensive engine. Alexander's anticipation and quick hands fueled multiple transition chances, while Cowan's composure in finishing drives kept the offense humming. Her and one layup late in the third captured the night's energy, fearless, fiery, and full of Mustang pride, stretching the lead to 74 to 51 heading into the final quarter.
Even as the scoreboard tilted heavily in Western's favor, both teams refused to let up. Ontario Tech battled for every loose ball, but Western's intensity never faded. First year guard Talyla McNary showcased confidence beyond her experience, knocking down a late three and contributing on both ends, a promising sign for the program's future. By the time the final horn sounded, Western had cemented its dominance with a 91 to 54 finish, their defense holding strong and their offense clicking in rhythm.
Cowan finished as the clear standout, filling the stat sheet with steals, assists, and points that sparked the crowd. Alexander's two way play shone in transition, while McNary's first year poise
and energy added a fresh spark to the lineup. Western's rebounding edge, defensive communication, and relentless tempo proved too much for Ontario Tech to contain.
As the Mustangs left the court under dim Halloween lights, their message was clear. This team can run, defend, and dominate when it plays together. A statement win and a sign of what is to come for the rest of the season.
"My teammates really helped set me up. I was just running the floor, and they kept finding me." said Mustangs Guard Sydney Cowan "On defense, our rotations made it easier to be in passing lanes and apply pressure. That let me jump plays and turn defense into quick offense."
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Sydney Cowan: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 7 steals
Paris Alexander: 15 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals
Renee Armstrong: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Emily Capretta: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Ainsley Lane: 10 points, 4 rebounds
TEAM STATS
Field Goals 32 for 71 (45.1%)
Three Pointers 10 for 24 (41.7%)
Free Throws 17 for 26 (65.4%)
Rebounds 41
Assists 24
Steals 21
