WOLFVILLE, N.S. - It was another close game for the Acadia Axemen in their final of three games at the Stu Aberdeen Challenge this time against the Laval Rouge et Or. 

A first half lead fell to a 13-4 Rouge et Or run that tied the game at 48 in the third frame.

The Axemen ended the third quarter with a narrow 55-54 lead, but were unable to hold on a lead giving Laval a 84-76 victory, their first of the tournament.
The Axemen started off strong, maintaining the advantage throughout the opening half. 

Fifth year forward Kyle Arsenault (Fredericton, N.B.) led the Axemen with 19 points and six rebounds, accompanied by Erik Nissen's (Quispamsis, N.B.) team high 10 rebounds along with 15 points, and third year guard Ben Miller (Winnipeg, Man.), who posted 13 points and was perfect in the free throw category.

A foul by Arsenault at the end of the third quarter, as well as strong playing by Subway Player of the Game Alexandre Leclerc (Saguenay, Que.), and tournament all-star Vladimir Thomas (Montreal, Que.), gave the Rouge et Or the advantage they needed to bring the score to 71-69 with three minutes remaining for Laval.

The game became more aggressive in the last quarter, with fouls working in Laval's favour. This, along with a couple of timely three point shots from Karl Demers-Belanger (Quebec, Que.) and Alexandre Leclerc, who was 7 for 10 from the three point line, helping Laval gain a larger lead on the Axemen in the dying minutes of the game. 

A good showing from Subway Player of the Game first year guard Trevon Grant(Naussau, Bahamas) and Challenge All-Star Nick De Palma (Bedford, N.S.) kept the game close, but in the end the Rouge et Or squeezed out the win in the closing minute by eight points.

Next, Acadia will take on the Saint Mary's Huskies on November third in their first regular season home-game. 

Submitted by Lauren Jeha, Acadia Communications Office