The University of Regina's women's basketball team couldn't overcome a slow start as the Cougars dropped a 73-59 decision to No. 1-ranked Saskatchewan on Friday night in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan took control of the game with a 16-2 run in the first quarter which helped the Huskies get out to a 22-9 lead after one. The Cougars responded with a 10-2 run of their own in the second to help get the lead down to 40-31 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the third when back-to-back Macaela Crone buckets got the Cougars to within five points and forced a Saskatchewan timeout.

But the Huskies quickly got the lead back up to double digits after that timeout, held a 57-46 advantage after three, and never trailed by fewer than 11 points in the final period.

Megan Ahlstrom and Summer Masikewich led Saskatchewan (5-0) with 18 points and 17 points, respectively. Ahlstrom also tied for the team lead with eight rebounds.

Crone ended up with 16 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars, who fall to 3-4 with the loss. Michaela Kleisinger added 15 points, while Emily Dewey chipped in with 10.

The two teams will finish off the weekend series with a game on Saturday night (5:00) at the Physical Activity Complex in Saskatoon.