Axemen lose second game vs Saint Mary's 94-81

Halifax, NS - In AUS men's basketball, the Saint Mary's Huskies took on the Acadia Axemen for the second time on the Huskies' home court and won.  

Axemen started strong winning the tip off but were quickly set back after obtaining five team fouls in less than four minutes. The Huskies had an eleven-point gap at the end of the first quarter: 21-10. 

The second quarter had the Axemen fighting to close the gap. The Axemen out performed their start from the first quarter by more than half. They put up 23 points, but it wasn't enough to pass the Huskies lead as they dropped a total 26 points.  

Acadia opened the third quarter with a three-point shot made by Nick De Palma. Both teams responded with every shot made. SMU's defense was strong against the Axemen's attack and the Axemen were just as strong. It was an evenly matched third quarter that had Saint Mary's out score Acadia by merely one point: 21-20.  Saint Mary's led at the end of the quarter 69-53. 

In the final seven minutes left of the game, SMU was up by eight points. Acadia increased the passing on their offense and dug in to get the rebounds. Saint Mary's pressed hard in the defense, trying to keep the Axemen from getting a clear shot. Again, an equally matched quarter was in the favor of the Huskies as they had only a two-point lead for the fourth quarter. 

The game ended 94-81 for a Huskies victory.  

Saint Mary's Johneil Johnson, won subway player of the game. Johnson had a team high 21 points and nine rebounds. Acadia's Trevon Grant led the Axemen with 24 points and 12 rebounds. 

Maya Palacio, for SMU Communications 

Photo Nick Pearce