GAME RECAP - Semifinal #1: Saint Mary's upsets #1 seeded CAPERS, advance to Final 8
Saint Mary's 66, Cape Breton 62

(Nick Pearce Photo)

March 9, 2007 (HALIFAX, NS) - For the third year in a row the Cape Breton CAPERS faced the Saint Mary's Huskies at the Halifax Metro Centre with a trip to the CIS Championship on the line.

Having split the season series this year with each squad posting a victory at home, the Huskies seemed all too comfortable on the Metro Centre floor in the early going almost as if they were playing on their own court.

The first half saw SMU jump out to a 21-12 lead with Mark Ross and Ike Uchegbu setting the early pace. The Capers managed to cut the Huskies lead to seven points going into the half, with the score 34-27 at the break.

The second half like a never ending game of "catch-up" for the CAPERS, as they would make a few small runs but unable to close the gap.

Player of the game Clint Bateman finished the game with 19 points, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, including a shot clock buzzer beating three late in the second half.

For the Capers, Ryan Keliher had 15 points, while Dan White added 11 points and 9 boards. SMU'S Ike Uchegbu and Mark McLaughlin each had 13 points. McLaughlin, who has yet to miss a free throw in the tournament, was clutch at the charity stripe down the stretch once again.

The Huskies will now await the winner of tonight's StFX / Acadia game to determine who they will play in tomorrow's final.

Game recap by Shaun Gillis