CAPERS look forward to AUS Championships Despite loss

Dalhousie beat CBU 74-69 in men's basketball action on February 18, at the Dalhousie Fieldhouse.

The game was back and forth from the opening tip as both teams fought tooth and nail knowing fully well the importance this game held on playoff seeding. 

Dalhousie struggled early to contain the Capers star player and defending AUS MVP, Osman Omar (Mississauga, ON), whose combination of dynamic slashing and sweet shooting from outside helped the Capers to open up a four-point lead after the first quarter.

The Tigers would not let an early deficit deter them though. Bolstered by strong play from senior guard Shamar Burrows(Nassau, Bahamas), playing in his second game since injuring himself in early January, the Tigers went on a run to retake the lead.

Matt Smith (Halifax, NS) continued to surprise for the Tigers, as he used his 6 '10 frame to snatch rebounds, block shots, and even came up with an impressive putback dunk to help Dalhousie take the lead at the half.

The Tigers' lead ballooned even further in the second half as Malcolm Christie (Fredericton, NB) began to find ways to put the ball in the hoop. Despite not being able to get his three point shot to fall, which is usually Christie's bread and butter, he managed to score by attacking the hoop and utilizing timely cuts to get open.

The Capers would not give up though. Needing this win to leapfrog the Tigers and secure the third seed for the playoffs, CBU turned to Jahnian Simmons (North Preston, NS), who came off of the bench to spark a Capers comeback with his relentless attack. With the lead whittled down to less than six, Cape Breton looked to seize momentum, but reigning AUS Defensive Player of the Year, Sam Maillet (Moncton, NB), proved why he earned that honour, coming up with huge defensive plays to keep the Capers at bay.

Dalhousie managed to hold off the Capers and in doing so locked up the third seed in the conference. They received big contributions from their three seniors Burrows, Sam Wade (Wallace, NS), and Benjamin Gory (Mont de Marsan, France), and will look to build on this momentum next weekend in the Subway AUS Basketball Championships.

Burrows was named Subway player of the game after tallying 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in his final home game as a Tiger.

Dalhousie will now face Memorial at 8;30 p.m. at the Scotiabank Centre in the quarterfinals matchup of the Championships. The Capers will take on UNB for a chance to face the top-seeded STFX X-Men in the semifinals.