University of Winnipeg

In order to bounce back, the Winnipeg Wesmen will need to find a way to rebound.

The Wesmen women's basketball team had another solid night shooting, but lost a significant battle on the boards in dropping an 83-70 Canada West conference decision to the Manitoba Bisons in the home-opener at the Duckworth Centre. 

Freshman Ella Castres had 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting to lead the Wesmen (1-1) and Raia Guinto also scored 15. 

But the rebounding battle belonged to the Bisons, who held a 48-28 edge that included 19 offensive boards. That turned into 19 second-chance points for the visitors, who scored 54 points in the paint, which offset their poor three-point shooting that resulted in only three makes in 15 attempts. 

The Wesmen built a 26-21 lead in the second quarter on a Castres three and an Avneet Kainth bucket. But the Wesmen would score just one field goal in the final five-plus minutes of the half as the Bisons went on a 17-2 run to go into halftime with a 38-28 advantage. 

Jennifer Kallon was the other Wesmen in double figures with 12 points.

Anna Miko led the Bisons (1-0) with 18 points and 10 rebounds, but had six of the team's 22 turnovers. Samantha Onyebuchi also had a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Izzi Fust scored 13 points with seven assists, and Taylor Schepped had 11 points. 

The Wesmen will now take a break for the rest of the weekend before hosting the MacEwan Griffins Nov. 6-7.