Tigers beat REDS in OT

The Dalhousie Tigers edged out the UNB REDS 65-64 in ovetime on Friday at Dalplex.

Dalhousie started the first quarter effectively, with Gabe Damey contributing points early by hitting a jumper assisted by Jayden Parker. The team established a lead midway through the quarter, reaching a five-point advantage at 6:54 with contributions from Lydell Husbands-Browne and Gabe Damey. Despite the REDS closing the gap, Dalhousie regained the lead near the end of the quarter with a 3-pointer from Andre Reid, ending the quarter ahead at 13-11.

In the second quarter, Dalhousie maintained a competitive edge, with Gabe Damey contributing significantly with a steal and a layup at 8:47, followed by a defensive rebound. Lydell Husbands-Browne was instrumental in the latter part of the half, scoring a layup and converting a free throw, which helped Dalhousie regain the lead at 20-18. Dolu Johnson also made an impact with a 3-pointer at 1:17, assisted by Damey, which extended the lead to 23-20. Despite the REDS' efforts, Dalhousie matched their scoring in the quarter, ending with a tied score of 13-13 for the half.

In the third quarter, Dalhousie initially extended their lead to nine points at 5:21 with contributions from Andre Reid and Jayden Parker, who combined for key points and defensive plays. The half saw a defensive focus, with Dalhousie making four steals and committing only two personal fouls compared to the REDS' six. Despite a late surge from the REDS, highlighted by several turnovers and a 3-pointer from Matthias Muscroft, Dalhousie maintained a narrow lead, finishing the half ahead 38-37, thanks in part to baskets from Gabe Damey and Caleb Stewart.

The fourth quarter saw Dalhousie maintain a narrow lead for much of the time, with key contributions from Gabe Damey, who scored a crucial 3-pointer early on and added a layup and jumper to keep the team ahead. Austin Thomson also started the quarter with an offensive rebound and successful layup, contributing to the team's eight-point lead at 7:37. Despite several fouls, Dalhousie managed to hold a one-point edge until the final moments, when Gabe Damey's jumper briefly put Dalhousie back on top at 55-54, before the REDS tied the game at 56-56, closing regulation time.

In the overtime quarter, Dalhousie held a narrow 9-8 edge over the REDS, with Jayden Parker contributing key early points through consecutive jumpers. Caleb Stewart's successful 3-pointer at 2:31 extended the home team's lead to three, marking their largest advantage. Despite several missed free throws by Gabe Damey, Dalhousie maintained their lead with Riley Stewart securing two crucial free throws at the end, ensuring the victory.

Gabe Damey led the Dalhousie basketball team with 21 points, making 9 of 24 baskets and 3 of 9 from 3-point range. He also contributed 3 steals and 3 assists. Lydell Husbands-Browne was a key player on the boards, securing 9 rebounds and adding 8 points, while also leading the team with 4 assists. Riley Stewart contributed defensively with 3 steals and added 9 points, shooting 3 of 8 from the field.

A second win of the weekend on Saturday could bump the Tigers back up into a playoff spot in what is a tight AUS conference. 

The Tigers and REDS return to the court on Saturday. Tip off is set for 4pm.