REDS Lose Heartbreaker

(ST. JOHN'S, NL) The UNB REDS fell 99-97 to the Memorial Sea-Hawks on Friday night, with the home team scoring the winning bucket in the final seconds of the game.

The game started with the REDS securing the jump ball and earning the first point through a successful free throw by Norm Burry (Grafton, NB).

The Sea-Hawks quickly turned the tide, with Flynn Boardman-Raffet (London, UK) and Ivan Tsafack (Quebec City, QC) contributing baskets to take the 4-1 lead. 

The REDS trailed 10-6 midway through the first quarter, but a late surge, including a three-pointer and an impressive play by Vegas Evans (Brampton, ON), allowed the REDS to close the gap and finish the quarter ahead at 19-18.

The second quarter saw UNB's Eden Otshudi (Hamilton, ON) extending the lead with a well-executed play. However, the Sea-Hawks responded with an impressive eight-point run.

REDS head coach Joe Salerno called a timeout to re-group and the tactic was effective as UNB managed to cut the deficit to 49-45 by halftime, with Burry leading the scoring.

The third quarter witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with both teams displaying strong defence and offensive plays. Boardman-Raffet continued to shine for the Sea-Hawks, while UNB's Marcus Barnes (Kitchener, ON) took charge of the REDS' offence. 

Heading into the final quarter, the Sea-Hawks held a narrow 76-73 lead.

The fourth saw a dunk from UNB's Brandon Laryea (Crawley, UK) who then assessed a technical foul.

With 9:19 remaining, Otshudi and Javordo Mitchell (Woodbridge, ON) connected on a pretty alley-oop that tied the score 77-77 and set the stage for a thrilling conclusion. 

In the closing 15 seconds of the final quarter, Laryea made a jump shot to pull UNB ahead 97-96. 

The Sea-Hawks Nicholas Tuff (St. John's, NL) would respond in a crowd-stopping way, draining a three-point jump shot with four seconds left, stealing the lead 99-97.

Boardman-Raffet was the game's top scorer with an impressive 30 points for the Sea-Hawks, closely followed by teammate Emmanuel Ring (St. John's, NL) with 24. 

Burry led the UNB charge with 21 points, supported by Otshudi with 19.

The Sea-Hawks and REDS are set to face off again Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 Atlantic time.

RECAP BY: Madison Tucker/for UNB Athletics with files from MUN Athletics

PHOTOS BY: UCE Photos/for MUN Athletics