Panthers torch Memorial with efficient shooting in 78-68 win
The UPEI Panthers put together one of their most efficient performances of the season, defeating the Memorial Sea-Hawks 78-68 on Friday night.
By Thomas Becker
The UPEI Panthers put together one of their most efficient performances of the season, defeating the Memorial Sea-Hawks 78-68 on Friday night.
Shooting an impressive 46 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range, the Panthers (10-8) saw five players reach double figures in a balanced team effort.
Kyree Thompson continues to thrive in his starting role, leading the Panthers with 15 points, five assists, and two steals. Hugo Bermejo filled the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Owen Smith and Daniel Gonzalez Longarela each contributed 11 points. Gonzalez Longarela completed a double-double, securing 11 rebounds. Kamari Scott also played a pivotal role, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
For the Sea-Hawks (8-9), Flynn Boardman-Raffet led all scorers with 18 points and eight rebounds. Josh Reimer had an efficient outing, scoring 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Norm Burry also reached double figures with 14 points.
Memorial came out firing, sinking their first two three-pointers to jump ahead 8-4. However, Bermejo kept UPEI within striking distance, scoring the team's first six points. The opening quarter was a tight battle, with both teams trading baskets. Late in the frame, Smith and Memorial's Cameron Stanford exchanged three-pointers before Smith caught fire, drilling another triple and sinking two free throws to give the Panthers a narrow 21-20 lead heading into the second quarter.
The back-and-forth battle continued for much of the second quarter. With just over two minutes remaining in the half, Thompson found Sam Dyck rolling off a screen for an easy layup. Moments later, Smith drained his third triple of the night, forcing Memorial into a timeout with UPEI up 39-35. After the break, Thompson and Bermejo knocked down consecutive threes, extending the lead to eight. The Panthers went into halftime leading 45-39, with Smith and Boardman-Raffet each scoring 11 points in the half.
UPEI came out firing in the third quarter, quickly stretching their lead to double digits. Thompson and Bermejo orchestrated the offence beautifully, setting up Scott for a pair of easy layups that extended the advantage to 52-42. Scott dominated the period, scoring 10 of UPEI's 17 points, while the Panthers' defence clamped down, limiting Memorial to just 13 points on 28.6 percent shooting. The strong two-way effort allowed UPEI to enter the final quarter with a comfortable 62-52 lead.
Early in the fourth, Bermejo buried another three to extend the lead to 15. With just over four minutes remaining, Thompson drove hard for a layup and then immediately stole the inbound pass, leading to two free throws from Tarrence Booker. The sequence gave UPEI an 18-point lead, putting the game out of reach. Memorial made a late push, but time wasn't on their side, as the Panthers secured the 78-68 victory.
The two teams will face off again on Saturday at 6 p.m. as UPEI looks to complete the weekend sweep.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
