Nationals berth on the line for Huskies in Canada West women’s basketball semis

For a team which has played plenty of playoffs games over the last few seasons, few have been as dominant as Canada West quarter-finals last weekend for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team.

That steady play will now be needed for the Dogs, with a key semifinal matchup looming at home against the University of Calgary Dinos.

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The Huskies have advanced to the conference’s Final Four bracket following a convincing 96-58 victory over the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades on Feb. 14.

Five Huskies were able to hit double-digits in points to advance in Canada West playoffs, spreading out the offence in a way which head coach Lisa Thomaidis said has been their goal all year.

“We were talking going into the weekend about trying to get all of our weapons firing at the same time,” Thomaidis said.

“I thought we got close to that last weekend, lots of different people scoring. I think our three-point shooting percentage was back up to where it needs to be.”

Fourth-year guard Maya Flindall put together one of her best games of the season in the win, leading the team with 22 points while going 8-for-12 from the field.

Becoming one of the elite shooters in Canada West, Thomaidis said Flindall has become a key part of the team’s starting rotation.

“She’s had a breakout season,” Thomaidis said.

“It’s always been there, but I think this year has just been the perfect combination of combining her skill set with confidence to take that shot.”

Averaging 15.4 points per game, Flindall was named to the Canada West second all-star team, with teammate Gage Grassick selected as a first-team all-star.

Flindall said her award-winning head coach has been a big part of the consistency with her jump shot this season.

“(Thomaidis) knows the technicalities so well,” Flindall said.

“She’s just been able to hold me accountable in terms of my form or how my shot’s looking. I think that’s just an accumulation of so many people that have helped me out along the way.”

Advancing to Canada West semifinals, the Huskies will play host to Calgary on Saturday night with the winner advancing to the conference championship game.

Riding a 51-game win streak dating back to November 2024, the Dinos are the last team to hand the Huskies a loss and will play a similar style of game on Saturday according to Flindall.

“I think the same as probably what they’re going to try to do for us,” Flindall said.

“Take the ball out of their primary ball-handlers’ hands and just make everything difficult for them on offence. I know for us, just controlling the pace of the game.”

It will be a consequential night for both Saskatchewan and Calgary, with the winner not only advancing to the Canada West title game but also securing an automatic berth at the 2026 U Sports Women’s Basketball Championship in Quebec City.

While it’s not front of mind heading into their game versus Calgary, a spot at nationals is what ultimately the Huskies are playing for.

“It’s just all about winning the game that’s in front of you,” Flindall said.

“I know coming off a win last year, we just want to do anything to have that opportunity again this year.”

The Huskies and Dinos will tip-off at 7 p.m. at the Physical Activity Complex.

Read more:

• U of S Huskies women’s basketball team completes undefeated 20-0 regular season
• Former Huskies, Blades coach Bumstead relishing first PWHL season
• U of R curlers aiming for U Sports titles as national tournament gets underway