Axemen searching for first win in Aberdeen Challenge

WOLFVILLE, N.S.- After a narrow loss to the StFX X-men in their first game of the Stu Aberdeen challenge, Acadia had their work cut out for them taking on the reigning CIS Champion Carleton Ravens on Saturday night.

The Axemen came out swinging, starting the game off with a 3-pointer from third year guard Ben Miller (Winnipeg, Man.). Acadia put on their best showing in the first quarter shooting 50% from the floor, but it wasn't enough as the Ravens handed Acadia a 112-62 loss on home court.

Unfortunately, Acadia couldn't hold onto their early lead and the Ravens took the first quarter 32-16.

Third-year guard Nick de Palma (Bedford, N.S.) scored three 3-pointers in 10 minutes of play in the second quarter. The Ravens responded with some sharp plays of their own including several successful shots from Kaza Kajami-Keane (Ajax, Ont.) and Marcus Anderson (Brampton, Ont.), who extended the lead by 27 points at the end of the second quarter.

A high rate of turnovers, speed, and aggressive play helped the Ravens maintain their lead into the third quarter.  Connor Wood (Guelph, Ont.) scored a game high 21 poins that included six timely three points shots and strong defense by Stanley Mayambo (Fredericton, N.B.) and TJ Lall (Cambridge, Ont.) pushed the lead to a game high 50 points at the three minute mark of the final frame.

Acadia put up a strong fight in the final two quarters, with first-year guard, Trevon Grant (Nassau, Bahamas) and senior forward Erik Nissen (Quispamsis, N.B.) each adding 12 points to Acadia's game-high effort by Nick De Palma who posted 14 points that included three for three from the 3-point line.

Acadia head coach Kevin Duffie was happy with the effort. "Early in the season our goal is to continue to get better and learn from each opportunity", pointed out Duffie. "Playing a team like Carleton gives us that sort of opportunity to see where we are at this stage of the season and where we need to get to as a group."

The Ravens improve to 8-0 in exhibition play this season with wins again several NCAA teams in the month of August and a two game sweep thus far in the Stu Aberdeen Challenge.

Carleton will face the undefeated StFX X-Men tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., while winless Laval and Acadia will face-off at 3:00 p.m.