(CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.) – The UPEI Panthers held off a late surge by the visiting Capers to win their home opener 93-85 at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre in front of 400 fans Friday night.
The Panthers had added momentum going into tipoff as the night kicked off with a celebration for UPEI's CIS bronze medal winning men's soccer team. However, the nationally ranked Capers were not about to roll over without a fight as they jumped out to an early five-point lead, 22-17 after the first quarter.
The Panthers countered thanks to smothering defence in the second frame. UPEI was able to hold CBU to just five points in the quarter.
The stifling defence was led by third-year forward Brad States (Bathurst, N.B.), hauling down six first-half boards, blocking two shots and drawing two charges in the quarter.
The Capers would finish the first half shooting only 31.6% from the field and 15.4% from long range.
UPEI capitalized on this, scoring 31 points in the second stanza, shooting 51.4% from the floor to lead 48-27 heading into half time.
The Capers refused to let UPEI run away with the easy win and showed why they are the sixth ranked team in the country.
Third-year guard Seth Amoah (Montreal, Que.) led the way for CBU, scoring five of his 10 points in the third quarter. CBU trailed UPEI 68-51 through three quarters.
The Capers continued their counter attack in the final quarter cutting into the lead to come within 10 points late in the game.
The Capers got to within four with 1:30 left in regulation, trailing 87-83 before UPEI's Lorenzo Parker (New Minas, N.S.) made a steal and a layup, followed by a second layup to extend the lead to 91-85 and put the game away for the home team.
The Panthers would add two free throws for a final score of 93-85.
The Capers were led by Meshack Lufile (Burlington, Ont.) who netted 19 points and hauled down nine rebounds. Kayon Mayers (Mississauga, Ont.), also chipped in with 15 points, and added six assists in the loss.
AUS scoring leader Tyler Scott (Halifax, N.S.) paced the Panthers with a game-high 38 points to go along with eight rebounds.
Brad States (Bathurst, N.B.) was named the Subway player of the game missing a double-double by one rebound finishing with 13 points and nine boards. It was his efforts on defence that earned him the honour as he blocked two shots, added a steal and drew four charges.
UPEI (2-1) and Cape Breton (2-1) battle again in Charlottetown Saturday night at 8 p.m.
Source: Jonathan Lane for UPEI Sports Information