The Algoma University Thunderbirds saw a potential victory slip through their hands in a matter of seconds.
Trading the lead with the Mohawk College Mountaineers several times during the game, the Algoma women's basketball team surrendered seven points in a 15 second span late in the game to allow Mohawk to pull ahead and secure a 70-62 victory in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association action on Saturday afternoon at the George Leach Centre.
With Algoma leading 59-56 with under three minutes to play, Mohawk caught Algoma with a quick press and forced the T-Birds into three turnovers. Mohawk converted the turnovers into a lay up and three-point shot and a short jumper to take a 63-59 lead.
Algoma, now 0-3 in the OCAA, attempted to get back into the game when Roberta Reid cut a six point deficit to three on a three point play after a basket and a converted free throw.
But Mohawk's Erinn Belot secured the win with four consecutive free throws with under a minute to play with Algoma forced to foul to regain possession.
"The seven points was the turning point right there," said Thunderbirds assistant coach Paul McLean. "We let up and turned over the basketball to give them three easy baskets. We had good control until that point and then we lost it."
Reid had an outstanding game for Algoma with 26 points while Jessica King added 11. Carolyn Crnac and Dawn Deschryver led Mohawk with 16 points each while Belot added 12.
"Reid had a great game for us and kept us in for the entire game. She was making her shots and she played well for us on the boards," said McLean.
Algoma started the game well and enjoyed a 10 point lead in the opening half before Mohawk rallied with seven points to cut the Thunderbirds lead to 32-29 at the half.
"We played well in the first half . We used our bench and everyone contributed but again we let them back into it at the end of the half. We need to work on our conditioning because we are slowing down late in the game," said McLean.
Both the AUC men's and women's teams will hit the road next weekend with games at Niagara on Friday and Redeemer on Saturday.