Strong perimeter play helps Dal top Memorial 88-63

(Halifax, N.S.) – A 57-point second half outburst helped the Dalhousie Tigers (11-4) top the Memorial Seahawks (9-6) 88-63 on Friday night at the Dalplex.

Perimeter play was instrumental in the Tigers win. The team shot just under 40 percent, led by guard Jarred Reid (Aurora, ON), who had a game-high 24 points, including six treys. Guard Nathan Barker (Massey Drive, NL) led Memorial with 18 points.

The Seahawks got off to a hot start, shooting 56.3 percent from the field. They were led by Barker with nine points and forward Vasilije Curcic (Kragujevac, Serbia), with six. Both players had a strong presence in the paint and were able to drive the lane effectively.

Despite having some good looks, the Tigers went cold in the first quarter, shooting just 21.4 percent as the Seahawks ended the quarter up 21-8.

Dalhousie responded on both ends in the second quarter, taking a 31-30 lead into halftime. The hosts went on an early 15-0 run – thanks in large part to Reid – who drained three straight treys in the opening two minutes and finished the quarter with 11 points.

Defensively, the Tigers also forced eight turnovers, including two steals which led to fast break points.

The third quarter was a closely fought affair, with Dalhousie pulling away after a 9-0 run towards the latter half of play – due in large part to their play on the glass –  that gave them a 57-46 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

Barker and guard Daniel Gordon (Scarborough, ON) provided the primary offensive output for Memorial, while Dalhousie countered with Reid and forward Kashrell Lawrence (Brampton, ON).

The Tigers put the game away in the fourth quarter, going on an early 16-2 run that the Seahawks were unable to fight back from, en route to the 25-point win.

Both teams are back in action tomorrow afternoon at the Dalplex for the rematch.