Reds overcome early deficit in 79-65 win over UPEI
After a sluggish first quarter, the UNB Reds locked down defensively and held the the UPEI Panthers to just 43 points in the remaining three quarters en route to a 79-65 win.
By Thomas Becker
After a sluggish first quarter, the UNB Reds locked down defensively and held the the UPEI Panthers to just 43 points in the remaining three quarters en route to a 79-65 win.
UNB's Tyrell Leotaud had a team-high 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the double-double. Subway Player of the Game, Ibrahima Doumbouya also contributed with 12 points and 19 rebounds (eight of which came off the offensive glass), while Chris Spurrell poured in 17 points.
The Panthers (4-11) were the first to strike after head coach Darrell Glenn called a quick timeout. Fueled by Amin Suleman, who just entered the game, UPEI went on a 9-0 run and took an early 9-2 lead.
The home team outworked their opponent in the opening frame and it showed. They looked to get the ball inside with authority, which led to four dunks. The Panthers opened up a 17-point advantage before the Reds (11-5) closed the quarter on a 9-0 run and trimmed the deficit to 22-14.
UNB's defence buckled down in the second and held the Panthers to just 13 points on 35.7 per cent shooting. They also forced six turnovers leading to nine points. Jesse Kendall found his stroke in the quarter with six of his nine points.
Spurrell had 10 at the half for the Reds, who trailed by just one, 35-34. Suleman, meanwhile, led all scorers with 12 of his game-high 21.
The visitors continued where they left off and opened the second half with a 7-0 run to storm ahead 43-37. Both teams traded baskets for the remainder of the third, as the Reds carried a 54-49 advantage into the fourth.
Leotaud took over in the final 10 minutes and almost single-handedly outscored the Panthers with his 12 points.
UPEI had no answer for a Reds' defence that held them to just 16-of-46 (34.7 per cent) following the first quarter, as they closed the game 79-65.
The Panthers are back on the road next Sunday when they take on the Dalhousie Tigers. Tip off is 3 p.m
Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan