Panthers down Capers 74-60 to advance to championship semifinals

(HALIFAX, N.S.) - The UPEI Panthers used a complete team effort to win 74-60 over the Cape Breton Capers and advance to Saturday's semifinals of the Subway AUS men's basketball championship.

The Panthers controlled the game from the get-go thanks to Subway Player of the Game Geoff Doane's hot start. He scored seven of UPEI's 17 first-quarter points, helping the Panthers establish a four-point lead heading into the second quarter; a lead they would never surrender.

Cape Breton struggled from the field in the second quarter, scoring just three points in the first five minutes. Their shooters were finding open spots on the floor but could not seem to convert their shots.

UPEI took advantage of their opponents' shooting woes and built an 18-point lead by halftime, accumulating 12 assists on 15 field goals made.

The second half started off much the same with the Capers scoring just four points in the opening four minutes and two points in the final five.

UPEI's shooters cooled off towards the end of the third quarter until Will Caesar and Joe Kendrick knocked down jumpers (two and three-pointers, respectively) for the Panthers as they took a 22-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The Capers were finally able to find their offence in the fourth quarter, starting it off with a 13-4 run. They managed to cut the Panthers' lead to 13, but that would be as close as UPEI would let them get.

The Panthers weathered the storm, regained their composure and closed out the Capers with a final score of 74-60.

Doane finished with a team-high 18 points on 7-13 shooting and collected nine rebounds for the Panthers in 27 minutes of action. Deontay Smith scored 10 points, pulled down five rebounds, dished out four assists and picked up three steals in 33 minutes in the win.

Cedric Kasongo had a game-high 21 points in 34 minutes in the Capers' loss. Kelson Devereaux added 10 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes.

UPEI now advances to Saturday night's semifinal matchup against the Saint Mary's Huskies. Game time is set for 8:15 p.m. at the Halifax Metro Centre.