Source: Ilyas Kurbanov, SMU Communications
(Halifax, NS) – In AUS men's basketball action, the Saint Mary's Huskies hosted the Dalhousie Tigers at the Dauphinee Centre and after a strong first half from the Huskies, the Tigers took the game with the score of 88-79.
It was a quick start to the game. Both teams traded a pair of threes. Johneil Johnson (North Preston, NS) went two for two to start the game and give the Huskies an early lead 10-5.
The Tigers were able to pick up the pace on the offence after a former Huskies' player, Brent Martindale (Kingston, ON) made a quick layup and a three to tie the game up at 16 a piece.
The Huskies were on fire from the three. They hit five shots of seven taken as a team led by Johnson with three shots made from beyond the arc. They led 24-18 at the end of the first.
The second quarter of the game was much better for the Tigers. They were able to get three stops in a row and change the momentum in their favour.
Adam Sellan (Toronto, ON) caught three offensive rebounds in a row and gave the Tigers an opportunity to tie the game after Keevan Veinot (Port Williams, NS) came down the middle with a slam dunk and tie the game at 30-30.
The Huskies didn't give in and regained the lead after Qyemah Gibson (Nassau, Bahamas) and Johnson, both hit a pair of threes and a layup to put the game at 38-31.
The Huskies led 45-39 at half-time.
After an eventful first half, the second started off with defensive play from both teams. The Tigers picked up back-to-back charges and a steal to take an eight-point lead mid-way through the third quarter, 55-47.
The Tigers outscored the Huskies 21-8 and took a 60-53 lead at the end of the third.
Veinot continued to be aggressive in the fourth quarter. He scored three back-to-back baskets for the Tigers to extend the lead to 13. The Tigers led 70-57 midway through the fourth quarter.
Despite hitting late free throws to cut the lead the Huskies were unable to make a comeback and win the game.
Subway player of the game went to the Tigers Veinot. He led the team with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Xavier Ochu (Milton, ON), Shamar Burrows (St. Catherines, ON) and Adam Sellan had 10 points apiece.
The Huskies will face the Tigers again on Saturday at Dalplex in Halifax, NS.