Basketball Axemen pick up first win against Huskies this season

WOLFVILLE N.S. - The Acadia Axemen were at home taking on the Saint Mary's Huskies in a rare Wednesday night basketball game at War Memorial Gymnasium. The Axemen, who trail the Huskies 0-2 in the season series, broke away in the second half and did not relinquish the lead, sailing to their first win against Saint Mary's, 72-62 and improving to 4-7.

The Huskies held the advantage throughout the first quarter but Acadia remained on their toes behind a solid team effort with balanced scoring across the frame. With the Huskies holding a 16-12 edge at the end of one quarter of action, the Axemen claimed their first lead of the game with 23 seconds remaining in the half at 26-25, but the score was tied 26-26 entering the break.

Acadia started the second half on a 12-4 run, continuing to apply strong pressure on the offensive end and forcing a Huskie's timeout. The Axemen led 47-39 to begin the final quarter.

With 25 seconds remaining in the game, Shaquille Smith (North Preston, N.S.) sent a message that the game was over with a decisive one-handed jam, which ignited an already vocal crowd. Smith had 17 points on the night. Acadia stretched the lead to as many as 15 and came away with a 72-62 victory.

Huskie Subway Player of the Game Osman Barrie (Ottawa, Ont.) had a double-double in the loss with 10 points, 13 rebounds and three steals. Brian Rouse (Mississauga, Ont.) added 18 points and Ryan Augustine (Toronto, Ont.) had 16 points off the bench.

For the second home game in a row, third year post Rhys Larry (Maitland, Ont.) was the Subway Player of the Game for the Axemen netting 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Gianmarco Luciani (Maple, Ont.) played a strong game and added nine points off the bench.

Acadia will head to StFX for the fourth and final a matchup this Friday and then visit Dalhousie for a four point matchup on Tuesday. Acadia leads the season series versus StFX 2-1 – winning the last two games against the X-Men.  Saint Mary's will travel to Prince Edward Island for a four point game against UPEI Friday and then head to StFX for a Wednesday night matchup the following Wednesday.

Provided by Ashley Hasler, Acadia Sports Information