This past weekend, the Axemen pulled into a comfortable first-place position in the AUS standings with 96-83 and 83-64 wins over UNB.
Fifth-year forward and two-time AUS defensive player of the year, Owen Klassen posted 11 and five rebounds in games one and two respectively. Klassen had a weekend high 36 points in Acadia's 96-83 first win and added 19 points in the Axemen's 83-64 second victory.
Trailing the Varsity Reds 20-16 after one quarter, the Axemen closed the first half with a 47-33 lead that was never relinquished. Pulling out the largest lead of 21 points eight minutes into the third quarter, the Axemen built the lead on out-rebounding UNB 45-24 and scoring 14 points to two on second chance points.
Fredericton native Kyle Arsenault netted 17 points and 10 rebounds, while teammates AJ Simmonds, Anthony Sears and Anthony Ashe added 13, 12 and 12 points respectively.
AUS rookie of the year candidate Javon Masters scored a team-high 36 points that included 5-of-9 from the distant arc, 8-of-19 from the floor and 15-of-15 from the charity stripe. Teammate Will McFee was 1-for-6 from the three-point line, but added 20 points to the Varsity Reds total.
In the second game of the weekend, Acadia held onto the lead for 36 of the 40 minute game.
Klassen once again posted a team-high 19 points, while Anthony Ashe sank 17 points and added six rebounds. Kyle Arsenault pulled down a team-high nine rebounds and netted nine points. Anthony Sears had 14 points in the win.
"Owen (Klassen) had a great weekend and was the final point to our offence," said Axemen head coach Steve Baur. "(Anthony) Sears has emerged as the locker room leader and was our most impactful defender."
The Axemen now prepare to host the Saint Mary's Huskies this Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. in a matchup worth four points in the AUS standings.
The Varsity Reds next take to the court this Friday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. when they visit the Cape Breton Capers in Sydney.
Source: Acadia Sports Information