The Holland Hurricanes men’s and women’s basketball teams picked up a pair of wins over the St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies on Saturday at the Holland College Centre for Community Engagement in Charlottetown, PEI, in Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) regular season action.

The women’s Hurricanes were victorious over the fifth ranked team in the country, 65-62 in overtime, while the men cruised to a 97-69 win.

In Saturday’s women’s game, the ‘Canes and Tommies engaged in a defensive battle in the first half with the Tommies taking a 24-20 lead into the break. The offenses came to life in the third quarter as STU extended their lead to 43-37.

With eight minutes to play in the fourth, the Tommies would open up a 13-point lead and with just over three minutes to play the ‘Canes were trailing 56-46.

Over the final three minutes of regulation the ‘Canes went on a 12-2 run, led by Kassandra Little, who had 10 points in that time span, forcing the game into overtime.

The ‘Canes would hold STU to just four free throws in overtime, winning the extra frame 7-4 for the three-point victory.

Little led the way in scoring and rebounding for the ‘Canes, recording a 20-point, 15 rebound, double-double.

Ashley Plaggenhoef contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the ‘Canes while Aki Kobayashi added 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists and Danielle McKinnon recorded 11 points and six rebounds.

With the win, the ‘Canes move to 3-1 on the season and now sit in third place in the conference standings just behind the Tommies and Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics, who are both 4-1.

On the men’s side, the ‘Canes took a slim 20-17 lead after the first quarter over the Tommies and would open up a 48-34 lead at the half.

A strong third quarter by the Hurricanes put them up 81-51 after three before ending in a 28-point victory for the ‘Canes.

Jordan Holness had a game-high 21 points for the ‘Canes along with seven rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. Bryce Corless added 15 points, three rebounds, and two blocks while Jayden McMullen had 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Josh White led the way in rebounds with a game-high 11, along with eight points, while Marc Hofer added 11 points off the bench for the ‘Canes.

With the victory the ‘Canes now lead the way in the ACAA with a 3-1 record, while the Tommies are close behind, falling to 3-2 after Saturday’s loss.

It’s a quick turnaround for the basketball ‘Canes as they return to action on Friday, November 29 in Moncton, New Brunswick versus the Crandall University Chargers at 6 and 8pm (w/m).

The women’s Chargers are 0-6 this season while the men have had a solid start to the regular season, sitting at 4-2.

The ‘Canes next home game is scheduled for January 12 when they take on the Chargers, this time in Charlottetown.

For more information on ACAA basketball, visit www.acaa.ca.

Connect with the basketball Hurricanes by visiting www.twitter.com/caneswbball, www.twitter.com/canesmbball and www.instagram.com/hurricanesbball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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