Source: StFX Athletics

(ANTIGONISH, NS) - The Dalhousie Tigers defeated the Cape Breton University Capers in the opening game of the 39th annual X-Men Invitational, presented by Pizza Delight, Friday evening at StFX's Oland Centre. 

Led by five straight points, including a three-pointer, from Alex Carson, (Lower Sackville, NS) the Tigers were up 17-8 early in the first quarter. 

After a make from beyond the arc by Warren Liang (Vancouver, BC), the Tigers led 28-11 after the first quarter. 

Midway through the second quarter, after a fade-away late in the shot clock from Liang, Dalhousie took a 42-20 advantage. 

The Tigers led 48-28 at halftime. 

Early in the third quarter, after a Keevan Veinot (Port Williams, NS) steal and basket, Dalhousie led 52-31. 

After an old-fashioned three-point play from Paul Watson (Mississauga, ON) and a Martin Campbell (Upper Marlboro, MD) put back, the Capers cut the deficit to 52-37. 

A few minutes later, Jordan Aquino-Serjue (Montreal, QC) collected a steal and lay-up to make it 61-40 for the Tigers, who led 67-47 after three quarters.  

Halfway through the fourth quarter, after four straight points from Kevon Mascoe (Scarborough, ON), the Capers trimmed the Tiger lead to 74-61. 

After a Papa Diop (Dakar, SN) three-point play, Cape Breton pulled within 11 (78-67), with under four minutes left in regulation. 

With just more than two minutes remaining, Venoit made a key steal and lay-up to give the Tigers a 81-69 edge. 

The Capers would get no closer. 

Venoit was the player of the game for the Tigers, while Mascoe garnered the honour for the Capers. 

With the win, the Tigers will face either the host StFX  X-Men for the championship Saturday at 8 p.m. 

The Capers will play the Panthers in the consolation match-up at 6 p.m.