Axemen open preseason with 98-83 win over Huskies

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The Axemen opened the basketball preseason with a 98-83 win over the visiting Saint Mary's Huskies.

Fans were treated to a few new faces including Horton High School grad Mitch Tempro and Eric Nissen - a transfer from University of Maine Black Bears.

Last year's AUS Rookie of the Year Ben Miller posted 18 points 31 minutes of play, while Rhys Larry, second year guard Nick De Palma, senior guard AJ Simmonds, forward veteran Kyle Arsenault, senior guard Thomas Johnson and second year forward Nick Ernst all saw plenty of time on the court.

In a game peppered with turnovers, the Axemen gave up 24 to the Huskies' 15, but Saint Mary's didnt take advantage of the opportunities, posting 43% from the floor. Surprisenly the Axemen led Saint Mary's in points off the turnovers with 20 to the Huskies' 18.

Foul trouble was also of concern with Acadia collecting 28 person fouls. First year big man Erik Nissen fouled out late in the game, while Huskie Kema Alleyne followed with five too. Ben Miller, Rhys Larry and Nick Ernest each collected four fouls.

Second chances were in favour of the Axemen with 19 points posted, while Saint Mary's only garnered seven second chance points.

Nissen led Acadia with 19 points and second year guard Ben Miller drained two three pointers and posted 18 points. Second year guard Nick De Palma, named the Subway Player of the Game registered near perfection with five of seven from the floor registering points including two for three from the three point arc and two for two from the charity strip. Arsenault and Larry registered 12 points while Tempro added seven.

The Huskies' Brain Rouse and Marquis Clayton netted 18 and 12 points respectively while teammates Kadeem Thompson and Ryan Augustine added 17 and 13.

The Axemen head to Carleton University next weekend for tournament play that begins with a matchup against the host Ravens at 8:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 16 live on Raven webcast http://portal.stretchinternet.com/oua/