Reds defeat Panthers 72-63

FREDERICTON, NB—The UNB REDS defeated the visiting UPEI Panthers 72-63 in Atlantic University Sport men's basketball action Friday night, at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.

Brandon Laryea (Crawley, UK) was named Tim Horton's Player of the Game.

The REDS came out strong, controlling the offense for most of the first quarter. However, in the final minutes, the Panthers made an attempt to close the gap, ending the quarter with the REDS leading 23-19.

Sam Dyck (Almonte, ON) led the scoring for the Panthers in the second quarter, helping them take the lead early on.

Despite Conner Landell's (St. Catharines, ON) strong performance on both ends of the court, the REDS trailed 41-39 at half-time.

Laryea and Eden Otshudi (Hamilton, ON) each knocked down a few threes to help the REDS regain the lead in the third quarter.

The third remained close throughout and REDS entered the final quarter leading 59-54.

The REDS took control in the fourth, holding the Panthers to just nine points. Laryea remained a dominant force, offensively and defensively, helping lead the REDS to the 72-63 victory.

With the win, the REDS improve their record 3-and-6 and are currently tied for fifth in the AUS standings. The Panthers drop to 4-and-5 and are currently fourth in the standings.

This was the final game of 2024 for both teams.

The REDS return to action January 10th, when they host the Cape Breton CAPERS. Game time is 8 p.m.

The Panthers travel to Halifax that same day to face the Saint Mary's Huskies. That game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. start as well.

RECAP BY: Shelby MacIsaac, for UNB Athletics / PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris, for UNB Athletics