Axemen & Tigers split season series with loss

HALIFAX, N.S. - The Dalhousie Tigers increased their lead in the AUS standings with a strong 87-68 victory over the Acadia Axemen.

Acadia and Dalhousie traded three pointers early in the game. Both teams traded baskets as the score was close between the two teams. Sean Dodds gave the Tigers their first lead of the game on a three pointer late in the quarter. Acadia fought back to bring the lead back to 1 point Dodds converted another attempt from downtown in the last minute of the first quarter to hold off the Axemen attack. The score at the end of the quarter was 21-16

Acadia brought the lead back to 3 points midway through the second quarter. The Tigers had a low shooting percentage and both teams were not sharp with the ball as there were a number of turnovers. Adam Karmali helped to increase the Tiger lead with a big three pointer. The three pointers continued as Sven Stammberger added his second deep ball of the game to spark a 5-0 run for the Tigers. They took a 36-27 lead into the locker room at the half. Ben Miller led the Axemen with nine points in the half and Stammberger led the Tigers with 12 of his own.

Cedric Sanogo nailed a baseline three to start the half for Dalhousie. Thomas Johnson matched the Tigers with a three of his own. The Tigers went made a string of baskets from Kashrell Lawrence, Sven Stammberger and Ricthie Kanza-Mata. The Acadia defense didn't have an answer for the crisp and quick passing of the Tigers. Erik Nissen helped Acadia with an and-one play and a huge block on defense. The block led to a Ben Miller three and brought the Tiger lead down to nine. Lawrence would restore the 11 point lead on a beautiful draw and dump from Kanza-Mata. The two teams would continue to go back and forth and Dal took a 61-48 lead into the 4^th quarter.

Acadia came out strong early in the 4^th and cut the Tigers lead to 10 points. Ricthie Kanza-Mata nailed a three pointer to swing the momentum back in the Tigers favor. Shaquille Smith was strong for the Axemen with nine 4^th quarter points.

Ritchie Kanza-Mata led the Tigers with 23 points and seven assists and took home player of the game for Dalhousie. Shaquille Smith led the Axemen with 18 points earned the player of the game honors for Acadia.  

The Tigers return to action next weekend for two games at Memorial. The Axemen will host Cape Breton next weekend for two games in Wolfville.

Provided by Dalhousie Communications