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The University of Regina Cougars and University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball teams are locking horns as the two teams battle near the top of the standings.
Saskatoon was the site for the provincial rival teams’ first meeting of the Canada West season on Thursday night, which saw the Huskies roll from the second quarter on to earn a 63-45 victory.
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After a slow start from both sides, the Huskies took over before halftime to take a 24-point lead, which they carried for the rest of the night.
The win extended Saskatchewan’s undefeated streak to 47 consecutive games, a run dating back to the first weekend of the 2024-25 season, while the Cougars suffered their second loss of the year following a 15-0 start.
Huskies guard and reigning U Sports women’s basketball athlete of the year Gage Grassick said the atmosphere didn’t disappoint, and the excitement at the game spoke to the intensity of the Huskies-Cougars rivalry.
“We obviously want the best for both teams and the best competition,” Grassick said.
“Some rivalry and competition is always fun.”
U of R’s Jade Belmore said every game between the rival schools is highly competitive.
“They have some really good, talented people on their team, and so do we,” Belmore said. “To be able to say that we have that in Saskatchewan is a really cool thing. We have a lot of respect for them, because they are a really good team.”
Belmore said the intensity results in a very enjoyable experience for the players whenever the two teams meet on the court.
“Those games are so fun and you kind of get consumed in them, and it feels like 40 minutes goes by in two minutes, but that is what you play for and what you want to feel because they are so competitive, so fun, high energy,” she said. “Those are the games you live for.”
The rivalry means both teams always look forward to the games. Just ask Cougars star Cara Misskey, who led the way with a game-high 25 points in Thursday’s loss to the Huskies.
“We’ve had that day circled on our calendar all year,” said Misskey.
“We’re nervous, but we’re super excited and ready to compete, and it’s always a battle and just so fun.”
Andrea Dodig has returned to Canada West competition with the Huskies after a stint playing professionally in Croatia, wanting one more opportunity to win a third national championship.
She said a big factor in her decision to return was getting to face the Cougars at least a few more times, with both sides poised to make a deep playoff run.
“We just come out to play every single time we’re matched up with one another,” Dodig said.
“Always playing our best basketball against each other and just being from two schools in the same province, I think that just highlights it. Also with the ‘U-Prairie Challenge’ now, it just gives it that extra motivation as well.”
One of the things that makes the games so fun is the atmosphere of the crowd. It doesn’t matter if it’s in Saskatoon or Regina – the crowds always get behind the home team.
“Whenever we play Sask. I kind of black out, because it is so intense and so crazy and the stands are packed,” Misskey said.
“There’s nothing like that feeling of adrenaline.”
The Cougars will host the Huskies on Saturday. Tip-off for the game is set for 5 p.m.
–with files from 650 CKOM’s Scott Roblin
