The Portage Saints girl's basketball team wasn't able to come away as Winnipeg City Champions this weekend.

The 13 and 14-year-old girl's basketball team won the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association's Southwest Division Championship a couple of weeks ago to earn a spot in the City final.

Saints' Head Coach Dave McLeod says the girls looked great at the start, and even led 12-5 at the half. McLeod says at one point it just all changed.

"The referees decided they wanted a little more say in who's going to win. So unfortunately when the other team gets 36 foul shots and you get 9, chances are they're going to win."

McLeod feels the girls will use the crushing loss to fuel the fire that drives them to be champions.

"Absolutely. I'm so proud at where these girls started, and where they are now. I'm really excited to see where we can take it down the road."

He's looking forward to next season with the girls, and hopes they keep with basketball over the summer.