Saskatchewan, Regina front and centre at Canada West women's basketball Final 4

A basketball battle is brewing in Saskatoon asboth Saskatchewan universities hitthe court tonight looking to scoretickets to the national championship tournament.

Both women's basketball teams from the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan play in the Canada West Final Four tournament at the Physical Activity Complex (PAC)on the U of S campus startingtonight.

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The Regina Cougars face off against the Griffins fromMacEwanUniversityat5 p.m. CST, then the hometownHuskies play the Alberta Pandas at 7 p.m. The winners of both games will not only meet inSaturdaynight's Canada West Championship, they will also earn a trip to the Canadian national championship tournament in Fredericton later this month.

"We've probably had two of the best practices of the year this week," said LisaThomaidis,head coach of the Huskies.

"If that's any indication, they're instilling a lot of confidence. We're as prepared as we're going to be."

The Huskies were the No. 1-rankedteam in the country for several weeks thisseason, losing only twice. One of those losses came against Regina, the othercame against Alberta.

U of R Cougars carrymomentum into Final Four weekend

After missing the Final Four tournament last year, the Regina Cougars are back and beaming with confidence after defeating Calgary last weekend to earn the right to playtonight. Head coach Dave Taylor said his team has lofty goals now.

"Our goal is to win Canada West and win nationals because we think we're close enough," said Taylor. "It wouldn't be a shocking upset if we win these games."

Should the Cougars and Huskies win, it sets up an all-Saskatchewan finalon Saturdaynight at the PAC. Home court advantage has been crucial for the Huskies all season long.

"Our players know how much that means to thembeing able to sleep in their own beds and go through our regular routine and being here in preparation for these games is a big advantage for us," said Thomaidis.

Despite Regina having to play in enemy territory, the team isn't intimidated by what's ahead. Their coach is leaning on experience now.

"Our record against the U of S hasn't been great up there, but we're very familiar with it for sure," said Taylor. "All of our players have played there lots."

Tip-off for Saturday'sCanada West Final is set for7 p.m. at the PAC.