X-Men top Tigers 69-63
Caleb Stewart had a team-high 14 points off the bench in the loss.
The STFX X-Men defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 69-63 in the Tigers home opener at the Dalplex in Halifax on Friday evening.
In a near replica of the scoreline in the women's game not more than a couple hours earlier, the X-Men and the Tigers played a cagey first ten minutes full of defense. The teams traded leads a couple times before the quarter ended 17-15 in the X-Men's favour.
X-Men star guard Gatluak James (Windsor, ON) began to put his mark on the game in the second quarter of tonight's clash. He scored 9 points on 3-5 shooting as the team from Antigonish continued to grow into the game. However, Dalhousie would not go quietly, as the Tigers bench players stepped up in this period, outscoring the STFX reserves 10-3. Backup forwards Caleb Stewart (Stevensville, ON) and Jayden Parker (Milton, ON) contributed most, putting up 8 of those points.
STFX started the second half on the front foot, building their lead to 52-41. Second-year guard Koat Thomas (Waterloo, ON) scored a pair of baskets and grabbed a couple rebounds to lead the X-Men early in the third quarter. For the Tigers, rookie center Austin Thomson (Newmarket, ON) impressed as he brought the home side back within single digits. He was active on the glass and even dished out an assist or two in these moments in the first few minutes after the break.
Down eight points as they entered the last quarter of action, the Tigers needed something special to win this game, and they nearly got there. Parker and Stewart each continued their great nights, with Parker converting on a couple layups while Stewart nailed the three-ball that tied the game at 63 with two minutes left. However, James was simply too much to handle for the Tigers defenders, as he added to his already impressive tally with a layup and a game-sealing dagger to keep the Capers up for good.
STFX sweeps this two-game set to open the season after their win Wednesday night. Dal will keep hunting for the first notch in the win column.
Both units will be back on court next week. The X-Men host Cape Breton at home on Thursday at 8pm AST, while the Tigers are in New Brunswick to take on the UNB Reds next Saturday at 8pm AST.