Huskies 86-77 over Axemen in season opener

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The visiting Saint Mary's Huskies handed the host Acadia Axemen an 86-77 loss in the regular season home opener..

Acadia guard Nick de Palma (Bedford, N.S.) played a strong game, hitting three for five from the three-point line, and helping Acadia earn an early lead in the opening quarter.

A steal in the start of the second period by Marquis Clayton (Halifax, N.S.), who led the Huskies with 29 points, three rebounds, and six assists, turned things around, and the Huskies pulled ahead of the Axemen, pushing the lead to 45-32.

Contributions from Achuil Lual (Ottawa, Ont.) and Kemar Alleyne (Scarborough, Ont.), and Brian Rouse (Mississauga, Ont.) allowed Saint Mary's to maintain their lead throughout the second half of the game.

Acadia put out a solid effort, averaging 86.4% on free throws, and securing a high rate of turnovers and rebounds, thanks to forward Erik Nissen (Quispamsis, N.B.) and guard Ben Miller (Winnipeg, Man.) The Huskies however, were too strong on offense for the Axemen. Nick De Palma earned the Player of the Game for the Axemen with a team high 16 points.

The Huskies out-scored the Axemen 26-7 on turnovers and were out-shot 47% to 38% from the floor.

The four-point loss in the standings will need to be made up in game two of the regular season, when the Axemen visit Saint Mary's for the second and final time this season in week one this Saturday in Halifax.

Provided by Laura Jeha, Acadia Athletics Communications Office