GUELPH, Ont. - Leading the Laurier Golden Hawks by two points in the OUA West standings heading in to Wednesday night's contest, the Guelph Gryphons made sure to create a little bit more breathing room at the GGAC. Using a stingy defence throughout the first half, the Gryphons were able to roll to a 74-56 home victory.

Led by 14 points each from both Skyla Minaker and Burke Bechard, and a defence that held Laurier to just 15 first half points, Guelph was able to establish themselves an early advantage that they wouldn't relinquish.

After taking a 15-13 lead after one quarter of play, the Gryphons really began to take control of the contest in the second. Surrendering just three points to the Golden Hawks throughout the ten minute frame, Guelph also went on to tally 22 points of their own to hold a 37-16 half-time lead.

Although the visitors were able to get their offence clicking on a more consistent basis in the third quarter, the Gryphons still managed to keep pace with their opponent. Despite Laurier out-scoring Guelph 25-20 in the quarter, the Gryphons still found themselves leading by 16 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Gryphons put the clamps back on defensively. Holding the Golden Hawks to just 13 points, Guelph was able to effectively eliminate any possible comeback ideas that the visitors may have had en route to a third straight victory.

While Bechard and Minaker led the team in points, MacKeely Shantz controlled the glass for the home side to the tune of eight rebounds. To go with her 14 points, Bechard also led the team in assists with eight.

"That was the best second quarter we have played this year," said Gryphon's head coach Mark Walton. "It's really nice to have everybody back now and healthy. For us, the challenge now is having everyone learn to play with each other again. I'm glad that we had this game today, which showed some ups and downs. We'll get those things worked out though and get set for Lakehead on Sunday."

For Guelph, Lakehead will be their next opponent. Going after a fourth straight win, the Gryphons will welcome the Thunderwolves to the GGAC on Sunday with tip-off set for 12:00.