(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) – In one of the biggest games of the year in CIS basketball, over 1,200 fans watched as the CIS No. 3-ranked Cape Breton Capers were handed their first loss of the regular season with a 73-49 defeat at the hands of the host Acadia Axemen.
While both teams tested the waters early in the game, resulting in an 18-16 Axeman advantage, the Capers played a physical game that eventually fell short in influencing a positive CBU outcome.
The Axemen pushed the lead to 10 points with less than three minutes remaining in the opening half on a three-pointer by Sean Stoqua. Stoqua, who netted 16 points, was good on 4-of-7 attempts from the distant arc.
Acadia closed the first half with a 33-25 lead as Anthony Sears showed a hot hand with 10 points in 12 minutes of play. The Axemen were able to shut the door on Caper leading scorer Jimmy Dorsey with only 7 first half points.
Acadia stretched their lead to a third quarter high of 15 points before closing out the third frame with a 48-34 advantage. Acadia held onto the cushion that grew to a game-high 18 with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
AUS leading scorer Jimmy Dorsey was held to 10 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie sensation Shaquille Keith netted a team-high 15 points.
Subway Player of the Game, Anthony Sears, had a game-high 18 points and was an impressive 7-of-11 from the floor. Stoqua had 16 points and second year forward Brad States pulled down 11 rebounds and added 11 points to the mix.
Owen Klassen, who found himself in early foul trouble, logged 27 minutes for nine points and seven rebounds.
The Axemen capitalized on 24 points off turnovers and added 26 second chance points. A strong bench produced 24 points for the Acadia compared to the Capers' six. Cape Breton was a dismal 29% from the floor and 12% from the three point line.
Head coach Stephen Baur was happy with the win.
"We are pleased with our effort tonight on defense. It started in transition and carried into the half court. Brad (States) gave us some great energy on the glass which ignited other pieces to the game."
Heading into tomorrow afternoon's second of a two game weekend against Cape Breton, Baur likes the place where his team is.
"They (Cape Breton) are a great team and will respond. The stage is set for us to simulate the AUS playoffs and to turn around in 24 hours and have another test of our consistency."
When questioned about the impact that Owen Klassen and Anthony Sears have with their return to form, Baur is frank.
"Having Sears and Owen back helps with leadership and consistency, so we will be leaning on them".
Both teams will be back on court less than 24 hours later at 4pm for the second of the two-game matchup.
With a game in hand, the Axemen find themselves in a comfortable 10-point lead over the third place UPEI Panthers.
Acadia, after tomorrow's game, will have two four-point games remaining against Saint Mary's and Dalhousie.
Source: Acadia Sports Information