Axemen earn weekend split with win over Panthers

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axemen secured an 80-70 victory over the UPEI Panthers on Saturday at Stu Aberdeen Court.

Gabe Davignon led the Axemen with 17 points, hitting five of eight three-point attempts in a strong showing from beyond the arc. Kyle Munro added 16 points and a team-high eight assists while contributing five rebounds and two steals. Robbie Grant scored 12 points, making five of 10 field-goal attempts, and Donovan Reid anchored the defence with four blocks and a team-high nine rebounds.

The Axemen took control early in the game, jumping to a 10-0 lead by the 6:40 mark of the first quarter with key contributions from Erik Hayden and Munro. Robbie Grant added to the momentum with a layup and a three-pointer, while the Panthers struggled to find their rhythm. UPEI's first points came at 5:01 on two free throws by Kyree Thompson. A late three-pointer by Hugo Bermejo tightened the score to 19-10, but Acadia closed the quarter with a 25-14 lead, bolstered by consistent scoring from Briawne Wilson and a strong defensive effort.

In the second quarter, Acadia continued to dominate, outscoring the Panthers 17-13. Munro's layup, assisted by Davignon, extended the lead to 27-14 early in the frame. Davignon hit two three-pointers, including one at 3:16 to push the lead to 38-19. Despite late efforts from UPEI's Thompson and Sam Chisholm, Acadia entered halftime with a 42-27 advantage.

Acadia maintained control in the third quarter, highlighted by a sequence that extended their lead to 20 points at 2:46. UPEI responded with two three-pointers from Thompson, cutting the deficit, but Acadia's Alain Mapendo and Reid answered with timely scoring and defensive rebounds. The quarter ended with Acadia narrowly outscoring the Panthers 25-24.

In the fourth quarter, UPEI pushed to close the gap. Thompson and Kamari Scott each hit three-pointers, reducing the lead to single digits. However, Acadia held firm, with Reid contributing a block and a steal, while Munro's late free throws sealed the 80-70 victory.

Thompson led the Panthers with 25 points, making nine of 22 shots, including three of four from beyond the arc. He also added four rebounds and three blocks. Scott contributed 14 points, while Tarrence Booker dished out a team-high five assists and scored seven points. Daniel Gonzalez Longarela led UPEI with eight rebounds and added a block and a steal.

The Axemen return to action Wednesday at 8 p.m. when they face Dalhousie in Halifax.