The University of Regina's women's basketball team opened up their two-game weekend set at Manitoba with a convincing wire-to-wire 86-55 win over the Bisons on Friday night at the Investors Group Athletic Centre in Winnipeg.
 
The Cougars had separate 7-0 and 8-0 runs in the first quarter as they built a 20-6 lead after the opening 10 minutes, then outscored the Bisons 25-15 in the second to take a 45-21 lead into the halftime break. The Cougars quickly erased any hope of a second-half comeback after scoring 12 consecutive points early in the third to build up a 66-26 lead. The U of R was actually held pointless for the final six minutes of the game, but the result had long since been decided.
 
The victory improves Regina's record to 12-1 on the season and also clinches a playoff berth, ensuring the Cougars will participate in postseason play for the 21st consecutive year. Combined with Victoria's win over UBC on Friday, the Cougars are also assured of a top-four finish in the Pioneer Division and a bye through to the Canada West quarterfinals.
 
Charlotte Kot was 9-for-13 from the field and led the Cougars with 23 points, while Alyssia Kajati was a perfect 7-for-7 and added 16 points and a team-leading eight rebounds. Katie Polischuk added 12 points in the win.
 
Jenilyn Monton led Manitoba (1-14) with 23 points to tie Kot for the game high.
 
The two teams will meet again on Saturday afternoon to close out the weekend series. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.