SYDNEY, NS – In Saturday evening basketball action, the Cape Breton Capers hosted the Acadia Axewomen at the Sullivan Field House in Sydney. The CAPERS were able to bounce back from a poor defensive 1st half and turnovers down the stretch to defeat the Acadia 90-87.
The CAPERS trailed 47-41 at the end of the first half but halftime adjustments proved to be the difference in this game. The CAPERS played better defense and the Axewomen weren't able to score easy baskets in the paint the during the second half.
On the other end, the Axewomen offence was rolling early, with Haley McDonald scoring early buckets on drives inside the paint. McDonald finished with a game high 32 points and 5 assists. Jayda Veinot also had a strong game with 19 points , 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Cape Breton was able to regroup in the second half and surged ahead by outscoring the Axewomen 25-18 in the third quarter. Monique Calliste (Toronto, ON) came alive in the second half with some timely buckets to give the CAPERS the lead. Calliste finished with 26 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. MacKenzee Ryan (Glace Bay, NS) ran the offense from the point and also scored 26 points to go along with 4 assists. Hailey MacLeod (Marion Bridge, NS) chipped in with 19 points and 8 rebounds.
The final three minutes of the game was a sloppy affair as the CAPERS saw a 10 point lead evaporate as the Axewomen took advantage of turnovers to get within 2 points. The Axewomen were unable to take advantage of a late forced turnover and were forced to foul Calliste to end the game.
The CAPERS Mackenzee Ryan was named the Subway Player of the Game. Acadia remains in 1st place with a record of 14-4 despite the loss. The CAPERS move into 5th place with the victory at 8-10.
The Capers and Axewomen are back at it Sunday afternoon at 2pm to finish the weekend set.