Western vs Waterloo January 17 77-63

Waterloo
Western stepped onto Carl Totzke Court inside the Physical Activities Complex knowing exactly what kind of night it would be. A true road environment. Tight sightlines. A Waterloo team that feeds off pressure and physicality. From the opening tip the game carried that familiar rivalry tension where every possession feels heavier than the last.

Waterloo struck first at the free throw line and tried to slow the game down early, testing Western's composure. Western answered with patience and execution. Annie Balfe broke the ice with a confident jumper and Sydney Cowan followed by attacking a seam in the defense to put Western in front. From there the Mustangs began to impose their identity. Renée Armstrong knocked down a three that settled the group and Paris Alexander started to find daylight. The defense tightened, rotations sharpened, and Waterloo was forced into difficult looks late in the clock. Western closed the first quarter up 17 11, already controlling the tempo.

The second quarter was where the game swung decisively. Paris Alexander caught fire in a way that completely reshaped the floor. She hit a three early, then another, then another, each one louder than the last and each one forcing Waterloo to stretch farther out of position. As the defense collapsed toward her, space opened everywhere else. Cowan orchestrated the offense with calm command, threading passes through traffic and keeping Western balanced. Catíe Joosten and Natalie Van Heeswyk dominated the glass, winning second chance opportunities and wearing down Waterloo possession by possession. Western forced turnovers, converted them immediately, and built a lead that grew rapidly. By halftime, Western had surged ahead 42 25, a lead built on execution and control rather than rush.

Waterloo refused to let the game slip quietly. The third quarter turned into a grind as the Warriors raised their defensive pressure and began attacking downhill. Western's offense cooled, shots rattled out, and Waterloo found momentum through physical play and timely baskets. Even when Alexander hit another three to steady things, Waterloo kept responding, chipping away with patience. It was the one stretch where Western had to absorb pressure rather than dictate it. Waterloo won the quarter 18 8, trimming the lead to 50 43 and injecting real tension back into the building.

The fourth quarter demanded maturity, and Western delivered. Waterloo tied the game at 50 and the moment threatened to swing. Cowan responded immediately with a tough finish and a drawn foul, halting the run and restoring order. Van Heeswyk followed with a key jumper, and Armstrong took control of the middle of the floor, attacking decisively and knocking down critical shots. The defense locked back in, forcing turnovers at the perfect time. Balfe jumped a passing lane for a steal and converted it into points. Joosten battled inside for finishes and offensive rebounds that crushed momentum.

Then Paris Alexander closed the door. With under four minutes remaining, she drilled a three that stretched the lead and visibly broke Waterloo's push. Armstrong followed with a three of her own moments later. From there, Western shifted into closing mode. In the final minute Alexander took complete command, recording back to back steals and calmly converting free throws. Each possession drained time, energy, and hope. Western outscored Waterloo 27 20 in the fourth and walked off the floor with a composed 77 63 road win.

This was a complete performance. Western absorbed early pressure, dominated the middle of the game, weathered a serious third quarter challenge, and finished with authority. It was disciplined. It was resilient. And it was the kind of road win that shows growth and confidence.

Paris Alexander
26 points
2 rebounds
1 assist
3 steals

Sydney Cowan
12 points
4 rebounds
7 assists
4 turnovers

Renée Armstrong
12 points
7 rebounds
4 assists
3 steals

Catíe Joosten
7 points
7 rebounds
1 block
1 steal

Natalie Van Heeswyk
9 points
7 rebounds
1 assist
1 turnover