StFX tops UNB 89-88 to advance to men’s basketball semifinals

(HALIFAX, N.S.) - The StFX X-Men topped the UNB Varsity Reds 89-88 in a nail-biting finish of the first quarterfinal matchup of the 2014 Subway AUS men's basketball championship Friday night at the Halifax Metro Centre.

The X-Men trailed UNB throughout most of the game but were able to keep their composure, scoring timely baskets and forcing crucial turnovers down the stretch.

The Varsity Reds, led by 2013-14 AUS rookie of the year and national scoring leader Javon Masters, closed out the first quarter on a 10-0 run, turning a four-point deficit (9-13) into a six-point lead (19-13) heading into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, StFX went on a 10-point run of their own thanks to AUS first team all-star Will Donkoh's strong play driving to the hoop. Leading the scoring at halftime with 13 points, he connected on five of his eight field goal attempts.

Will McFee was able to keep the Varsity Reds tight with two three-pointers in the late minutes of the half. The score was tied at halftime, 34-34.

In the second half, UNB was able to pull away thanks to the strong play of third-year guard Will McFee. McFee traded three-pointers with StFX's Julius Antoine to end the third quarter.

Antoine played a huge second half for the X-Men, scoring all of his team-high 22 points in the third and fourth quarters, including a number of big buckets late in the game. He was named Subway Player of the Game for his efforts.

Despite trailing for most of the game, the X-Men were able to keep their composure in the fourth quarter, slowly chipping away at the V-Reds' lead and never letting the game get away from them.

Antoine continued his hot shooting in the second half, driving to the hoop and knocking down jumpers.

The Varsity Reds' Daniel Quirion found his stroke late in the game, burying some clutch threes, but it wouldn't be enough.

Will Donkoh grabbed an offensive rebound, putting it back to give StFX the lead with six seconds to play.

Ryan Smith was able to draw a foul with 0.4 seconds left, going to the free throw line trailing by two, but was only able to connect one on of them.

Donkoh posted 21 points and five rebounds in the win, while AUS all-rookie team member Kevin Bercy contributed 14 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Jordan Clarke and Shane Coupland added 11 and 10 points respectively.

Masters had a game-high 25 points in the loss for UNB. Will McFee added 18 points, while Daniel Quiron added 13 and Ryan Smith, 10.

The StFX X-Men will move on to play the AUS top-ranked Acadia Axemen in Saturday's first semifinal matchup at 6:15 p.m. at the Halifax Metro Centre.