Axemen struggle in fourth quarter, lose to Dalhousie

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axemen came up just short against the Dalhousie Tigers, falling 71-66 in AUS men's basketball action Sunday at Stu Aberdeen Court.

Glen Cox led Acadia with 24 points, going 6-for-12 from the field and 12-for-18 from the free-throw line. He added nine rebounds—eight defensive—and three steals. Kyle Munro knocked down three three-pointers on seven attempts while also collecting three steals. Ryan Regault finished with 12 points, three assists and a three-pointer, while Gabe Davignon added 10 points, making five of six free throws, along with two assists and two rebounds.

Acadia started strong in the first half, building an early lead with key plays, including a Cox layup at 9:02 and a Davignon three-pointer at 5:52 to put the Axemen ahead by eight. Dalhousie responded with a 3-pointer from Caleb Stewart at 3:10 to cut into the deficit. Despite Acadia's 10-point advantage in the paint, Dalhousie closed the half with a 21-18 lead after a late layup from Jayden Parker.

Acadia briefly tied the game at 21 early in the second quarter after a free throw from Erik Hayden, but Dalhousie quickly regained the lead with a layup from Riley Stewart. The Axemen stayed within reach, with Cox keeping them in the game with key layups. Davignon converted three free throws late, helping Acadia outscore Dalhousie 16-14 in the quarter, but the Tigers held a slim 35-34 edge at halftime.

Dalhousie took control early in the third, opening with a jumper from Gabe Damey and a three-pointer from Caleb Stewart to push ahead 40-34. Acadia answered with a pair of threes from Munro and Regault, taking a 42-40 lead. Cox remained dominant in the paint and at the free-throw line, while Stewart's late three-pointer for Dalhousie kept it close at 53-50. Acadia held a narrow 56-55 lead heading into the final frame.

Dalhousie outscored Acadia 16-10 in the fourth quarter to secure the win. The Tigers went on a key run, highlighted by a 3-pointer and three consecutive free throws from Stewart, giving them a 67-61 lead. Munro hit a late three-pointer for Acadia, but the Axemen couldn't complete the comeback, and a final free throw from Stewart sealed Dalhousie's 71-66 victory.

Stewart led the Tigers with 21 points, including four three-pointers, and grabbed nine rebounds. Damey contributed 12 points and six assists, while Lydell Husbands-Browne recorded nine rebounds and five assists.

The Axemen return to action Wednesday when they visit Dalhousie for an 8 p.m. tipoff.