Panthers salvage weekend with 84-81 win over Reds

By Thomas Becker

Kamari Scott (Malton, ON) wasn't going to let his team lose on back-to-back nights. 

UPEI's star guard scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Panthers (5-6) to a hard-fought 84-81 win over the UNB Reds Saturday night, which continued a season-long trend where they split a weekend series.

Scott said he believes the team is better than its record, but acknowledges more work needs to be put in to address the inconsistent play this season.

"It's starts at practice. We need to bring the same level of intensity each day so that it reflects on game day."

Daren Clarke (Hamilton, ON) had his best game of the season and carried the team in the fourth quarter, where he scored 14 of his 22 points, while Cameron Brown (Scarborough, ON) played with a lot of energy and was rewarded with 15 points, nine rebounds and a team-high three assists.

UNB's Marcus Barnes (Kitchener, ON) matched Scott's output with 28 points but needed 22 shots to get there. Norm Burry (Grafton, NB) had another efficient night with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Javordo Mitchell (Woodbridge, ON) recorded his second straight double-double with 14 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks.

The first quarter was a battle between each team's star player. Both Scott and Burry gave their teams a lift offensively, scoring nine and eight points, respectively, as UPEI carried a slim 21-20 advantage after one. 

With both teams giving their all defensively, points were hard to come by in the second quarter. Each team traded blows, with neither carrying more than three-point lead. Between the two teams, there were six lead changes in the frame before Scott closed the quarter with an and-one and a three-pointer at the buzzer to give UPEI a 42-36 lead at the break. Scott led all scorers with 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting. 

"I came into the game aggressive on both ends knowing my team needed me," said Scott about his stellar first-half performance. 

The Panthers opened up a 48-36 advantage behind a quick 6-0 run to start the third quarter. After trading baskets for a couple minutes, the Reds (5-5) cut the deficit to 52-47 following a Barnes triple and a Mitchell layup. 

After Barnes cut the deficit to six with a three-pointer, UPEI used Brown's physicality to their advantage, as the sophomore forward attacked the paint for a putback and layup, as the Panthers went into the fourth ahead 62-54.

With the game still hung in the balance, Clarke carried the Panthers across the finish line with an offensive explosion. The sophomore point guard scored 12 straight points from the 5:02 mark to the final 1:51 and gave his team an 80-72 lead, all but sealing the win.

"With the work I put in, I know I can make these shots," said Clarke after the game. "I just have to stay confident and tell myself it's going in."

The Reds managed to get within one, but time wasn't on their side, as they fell 84-81. 

Next up for the Panthers are the Cape Breton Capers, who they'll face next Saturday, while the Reds return home to take on the Dalhousie Tigers Friday night.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek