LONDON, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks showed early energy but could not overcome a decisive second and third-quarter push, falling 84-63 to the Western Mustangs on Thursday night at Alumni Hall.

After dropping the previous meeting 77-55, Laurier set a different tone from the opening tip, shooting 57.9 per cent in the first quarter and building a 24-22 edge after one. Kate White led the charge early and finished with a team-high 14 points, while Isabella Cotton had a game-high nine rebounds.

Western responded in the second quarter, tightening defensively and taking control behind a 31-point frame. The Mustangs shot 54.2 per cent in the quarter and took advantage of turnovers, opening up a 53-37 lead at halftime.

Laurier continued to battle in the second half, including extended minutes from several rookies, but Western maintained its advantage through the third quarter and pushed the lead to 66-49 after three. Sydney Cowan led all scorers with 21 points for the Mustangs, while Western's depth proved decisive, holding a 29-18 edge in bench points.

The Golden Hawks kept competing down the stretch, continuing to generate extra possessions through offensive rebounding. Katerina Pappas scored nine points off the bench, including a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, while Cotton added nine points, nine rebounds and five assists to pace Laurier's all-around effort. Aikman and Fuerth each chipped in eight points.

Laurier finished the game with 29 rebounds and 25 assists on 25 made field goals but struggled to find consistency from long range, shooting 4-for-26 from three-point territory. 

Up next:
The Golden Hawks (4-13) remain on the road and visit the Windsor Lancers (14-4) at the Toldo Lancer Centre. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. on OUA.tv