It took a little while for the University of Regina's women's basketball to get rolling, but the Cougars eventually cruised to an 80-49 win over Lakeland College in an exhibition game on Thursday night at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport.

Lakeland held a slim 19-17 lead after the first quarter, but the Cougars reeled off an 8-0 run to start the second and took absolute control with 21 consecutive points over eight minutes of game time late in the second quarter and early in the third.

Katie Polischuk hit five first-half triples and led all players with 21 points, while Kehlsie Crone scored 11 points and tied for the team lead in both rebounds (9) and assists (4). Rookie guard Michaela Kleisinger added 14 for the Cougars, while Alexi Rowden tied Crone with nine rebounds in her U of R debut.

Keana Magalei led Lakeland with 14 points.

The Cougars continue exhibition play on Saturday with a game against Medicine Hat College at Albert E. Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m.