Queen’s reigns supreme over Panthers, will play for fifth place
Connor Keefe’s 16 points led the Queen’s Gaels to a 93-68 win over the UPEI Panthers in their consolation game at the 2023 U SPORTS Men’s Final 8 on Saturday.
Halifax (U SPORTS)—Connor Keefe's 16 points led the Queen's Gaels to a 93-68 win over the UPEI Panthers in their consolation game at the 2023 U SPORTS Men's Final 8 on Saturday.
UPEI started off the game without the scoring touch, struggling to get their shots to drop early. Michael Kelvin led Queen's in the first quarter, draining seven points. UPEI's Kamari Scott tried to keep pace, posting six of his own, but after the first 10 minutes it was Queen's up 21-14.
In the second quarter, it was Dakelle Brooks taking over for his Panthers teammate, recording seven of UPEI's 21 second-quarter points. However, Scott Jenkins of the Gaels replied with 10 points in the second to give Queen's a 48-35 lead at halftime.
UPEI came back out of the locker room strong, outscoring Queen's through the first five minutes of the half. The Gaels got into foul trouble early in the half, with UPEI in bonus territory halfway through the third quarter. The Panthers then started to play a quick transition style of play which caused them to give up fouls of their own, sending Keefe to the line four times. At the end of the third quarter, Queen's had a 70-53 lead. The Gaels cruised through the fourth quarter to close out the 93-68 win.
Brooks was named the Nike Top Performer for the Panthers, ending the game with a team-high 14 points. The Gaels Nike Top Performer was Keefe, as the Haligonian finished with 16 points and five rebounds.
Queen's now moves on to face the UQAM Citadins in the consolation final on Sunday at noon Atlantic.
Nike Top Performers
Queen's: Connor Keefe
UPEI: Dakelle Brooks
