Curwin leads Mystics to ACAA final
Marley Curwin netted 15 points in the Mystics 56-53 win over the STU Tommies to advance to the ACAA championship final on Sunday.
Source: UNBSJ Seawolves
The Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics edged out the St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies in a tightly contested 56-53 victory on March 1, 2025, at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find consistent offense, but MSVU's clutch plays down the stretch proved to be the difference.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with STU taking an early 16-11 lead after the first quarter, thanks to Katie Vidito's 6-point outburst, including 2 three-pointers. MSVU responded in the second quarter, outscoring STU 17-11, led by Victoria Strickland's 6 points and Amanda Pearcey's all-around play. MSVU took a narrow 28-27 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw STU regain some momentum, outscoring MSVU 10-7. Alyssa Jeffrey and Charlee Connors led the charge, with Jeffrey hitting a key three-pointer and Connors contributing with her rebounding and free-throw shooting. However, MSVU's defense, anchored by Strickland and Celine Sterckel, kept the game close, and the Mystics entered the fourth quarter with a 35-37 lead.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. MSVU's Marley Curwin and Emma Garagan hit crucial shots, while Sterckel and Pearcey provided steady contributions. STU's Katie Vidito continued her strong performance, finishing the game with 17 points, including 4 three-pointers, and Alyssa Jeffrey added 14 points. However, STU's struggles from the field (22.9%) and turnovers (16) proved costly in the final minutes.
MSVU's balanced attack was led by Marley Curwin, who finished with 15 points, including 3 three-pointers, and Amanda Pearcey, who added 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Celine Sterckel contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds, while Victoria Strickland added 9 points and 2 blocks. MSVU's defense was key, tallying 9 steals and 3 blocks, which helped them overcome their own shooting struggles (32.2% from the field).
For STU, Katie Vidito was the standout performer, scoring 17 points on 5-of-15 shooting, including 4 three-pointers. Alyssa Jeffrey added 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Charlee Connors contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds. Despite their efforts, STU's inability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and turnovers allowed MSVU to maintain their lead.
With this victory, MSVU advances to the ACAA women's final, showcasing their resilience and defensive prowess.