ST. JOHN'S, NL - Another game and another close match-up between the Memorial SeaHawksand the Acadia Axemen on Sunday afternoon at The Field House.
Acadia jumped out to an early lead by knocking down two 3-pointers to start the game andfinished the first quarter with a 21-14 lead. Memorial took control in the second quarter and managed to pull ahead by a score of 33-32 at the half.
The teams traded leads throughout the second half and with 14 seconds remaining in the game, the score was tied 73-73 and Acadia had possession. The Sea-Hawks defended well,but were unable to secure two loose balls and Acadia post, Erik Nissen grab a rebound in the paint and scored as time expired to give the Axemen the win and earn a split in the weekend series.
Acadia was led by post, Shaquille Smith, who score 23 points and hauled in 11 rebounds for the visitors. Ben Miller came off the bench for the Axemen and scored 12 points and had 4 rebounds.
Daniel Gordon led all Sea-Hawks in scoring for the second straight game by posting 20points. Three Sea-Hawks registered double-doubles in the game. Noel Moffatt had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Vasilije Curcic finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Caleb Gould finished with 10 points and a game high 17 rebounds.
The Axemen split the weekend against the Sea-Hawks, losing in the dying seconds of the game after leading for the most part of the game. Head coach Kevin Duffie was happy that his team rebounded back. "I am proud of our guys bouncing back and getting the split on the road. It was a great group effort. We were able to get key stops at crucial times", commented Duffie. Adding, "They have two of the best bigs and the league and we were really focused on trying to limit their touches in the post."
Memorial currently holds the final playoff spot in the AUS standings with 10 points. Acadia is one spot ahead of Memorial in the standings with 12 points.
Memorial travels to Halifax, NS next weekend to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies, while Acadia stays on the road and visits UPEI. The Axemen are the only team to hand UPEI two losses this season - both wins at home.
Provided by MUN Athletics