Varsity Reds secure convincing 98-74 win over X-Men

Varsity Reds secure convincing 98-74 win over X-Men

(FREDERICTON, N.B.) - The UNB Varsity Reds men's basketball team put up a decisive win Friday night, besting the St.FX X-Men 98-74 in front of over 400 fans. 

UNB is currently ranked first in the AUS and sixth nationally with a 5-0 record in the regular season. Friday's performance on the court was a convincing argument as to why, with UNB sinking all the right shots. They hit 80 per cent from the free-throw line and landed 14 three-pointers - including Will McFee's beauty of a shot at the halftime buzzer. 

McFee had a stellar first half, leading scoring with 18 points. He added an additional five to that in the second half for a total of 23 points, second only to teammate Javon Masters who racked up 25. Masters continues to average around 26 points per game this season and is second only to UPEI's Tyler Scott for points in the AUS. 

Julius Antoine led the scoring for the X-Men, contributing 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Davonte Provo added 11 points for StFX, along with three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alastair Cole and Jordan Tyrell chipped in with 10 points apiece.

A noticeable addition to the Varsity Reds squad this game was point guard Matt Daley, who made his first appearance on the court this season after suffering an injury. 

McFee says having Daley back in the mix is a big boost to UNB.

"I'm pretty happy that Matt's back, because he'll be able to run the point," McFee said. "And he can just pick and choose between me and Javon on the wing."

UNB head coach Brent Baker says he's happy to take the win tonight but is expecting tomorrow to be another tough battle. 

"They hung with us for three quarters," Baker said. "I think it's going to be another grind tomorrow. I think our guys are going to come out just as motivated. Back-to-back games are never easy in the AUS so we know what we're up against."

UNB plays StFX at home again tomorrow at 6 p.m.