Axemen bounce back with convincing win against StFX

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Acadia and StFX both entered today's match with 4-2 records, hoping for a win that could move them into second place in the AUS standings. In a hard fought defensive battle that posted 31 turnovers, 16 steals and seven blocks, it was Acadia who prevailed with 89-76 win over the X-men.

StFX won the tip and the two teams traded baskets throughout most of the first quarter. The X-Men finished off the quarter with a one-point advantage, 21-20.

Acadia's Owen Klassen was 4-4 with eight points and four rebounds in the opening quarter, completing the game  with a double-double including 25 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots.

In the second frame, the X-men went up by as many as seven points in the opening five minutes led by Jordan Clarke and William Donkoh, but Acadia fought back,  finishing the half off strong with a layup from Anthony Sears and a buzzer beating lay in by Thomas Johnston to gain the advantage 44-40 as the horn sounded.

Sears had 11 points in the quarter and 23 on the night earning him the Subway Player of the Game honour.

Throughout the third both teams continued to trade baskets and at the start of the fourth Acadia led 63-61. The game would end up being determined on the defensive end of the court as Acadia had 10 steals on the night, blocked six shots and collected 51 boards in total.

With just over six minute left to play X-men player of the game, William Donkoh drove for a layup that tied the game, 68-68. Donkoh finished with 20 points, shooting 70% from the field and collected six boards.

On the following two possessions Owen Klassen made two free throws and threw down a dunk that ignited the crowd. Sears, Klassen, Shaquille Smith and Lachlan Gale all sank jumpers to close the game 89-76 in favour of the Axemen.

Associate coach Kevin Duffie pointed out that the win was due in part because of an intensity the team brought to the game. "We were happy with the level of intensity our guys played with tonight and pleased we got to a higher intensity level tonight.  Our fifth year seniors were leaders on and off the floor.  We are pretty pleased with a 5-2 record going into the break and will build on that."

In the losing cause for StFX, Rodrigo Madera contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds while Jordan Clarke added 15.

StFX hosts UPEI on November 30th in their final game before the winter break while Acadia returns home after the New Year to take on Memorial on January 11th and 12th.