PLAYOFF PREVIEW: #4 Gee-Gees set to host the Gaels in OUA Quarter Final

With a 19-3 finish to the 2024-25 regular season, the University of Ottawa women's basketball team earned a bye to the OUA Quarterfinal. The quarterfinal action is set to tip-off at 6pm on Feb. 22.

The Saturday evening matchup welcomes the Queen's Gaels to Montpetit Hall for the second time this season. In their first regular season meeting this season, the Gee-Gees claimed a 60-53 win over the Gaels.

Only last week, the teams met again for a Saturday night battle in Kingston. Ottawa took the road win 63-57.

This time around, there are higher stakes.

In the chase for the Critelli Cup, the Gee-Gees will lean on their teamwork and defensive prowess. Ranking first in the OUA with 14.9 steals per game and 5.1 blocks per game, the Gee-Gees have taken scoring opportunities from their opponents throughout the season.

Ottawa has established an outstanding ability to find the net. Natsuki Szczokin leads the Gee-Gees with 17.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 4 steals per game. The senior point-guard has been the dominant force for the Gee-Gees. She's hit the 20-point mark six times this season, establishing a career high 30 points on January 24.

Szczokin has an incredible supporting cast with the likes of Allie McCarthy, Emily Payne, Victoria Brideau and Alissa Provo. Not to mention the clutch shooting beyond the arch from Bailey Russell, who ranks second in the OUA with a 38.4 3-point percentage.

Ranked second in the OUA and fifth nationally, the Gee-Gees are gearing up for an exciting post-season. Their OUA quarterfinal match with the Gaels is slated for 6:00pm at Montpetit Hall. Tickets are available https://www.showpass.com/gee-gees-basketball-fw/