EDMONTON – The No.5 ranked Queen's Gaels had five players score in double figures en route to a thrilling 90-80 USPORTS Quarter-final victory over the No. 4 seeded Dalhousie Tigers Friday afternoon at the Saville Centre.
The Gaels were led by OUA East first-team All-Star Cole Syllas who scored 18 points to go with six rebounds and seven assists. He was joined in the winning effort by fourth-year forward Connor Keefe who added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Quinton Gray who netted a team-high 19 points including four threes.
"We expect to beat every team. We expected to be here, and we prepared that way," said Gray. "Our coaches worked overtime to get us ready to play. Our scouts have been amazing."
Fourth-year guard Keevan Veinot of the Tigers recorded a game-high 21 points, while teammate and second-team All-Canadian Alex Carson dropped 16 points including a trio from beyond the arc.
It was the U SPORTS Final Eight debut for the Gaels, who advanced to the semifinals for the first time in program history.
"Our conditioning has always been excellent. We run a lot of high minute guys, and I think that energy and fitness factored into the fourth quarter," said Gray. "We knew if we keep fighting, we will be the last one standing."
It was a fast-paced first half, with offence coming in droves for both sides. The Tigers shot 54.8 percent from the field, including 40 percent from three. While the Gaels were less efficient shooting the ball, they collected a monstrous 12 offensive rebounds that led to easy buckets in the paint and second-chance points.
Going into halftime, the teams were tied at 44, but the second half saw Dalhousie maintaining their efficiency while the Gaels found their stroke from three-point range, going four for six in the third quarter.
The game was airtight until the Gaels were able to snag some momentum after the Tigers were in foul trouble midway through the fourth quarter.
The Gaels advance to play the Saskatchewan Huskies in the Championship semifinal, while the Tigers take on the Brock Badgers in the first consolation semifinal.
Nike Top Performers
- Queen's Gaels: Quinton Gray
- Dalhousie Tigers: Keevan Veinot