Klassen returns as No. 6-ranked Axemen post 85-69 win over V-Reds

(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - The CIS No.6-ranked Acadia Axemen improved to 8-3 with a 85-69 win over the visiting UNB Varsity Reds in AUS men's basketball action Saturday night at War Memorial Gymnasium in Wolfville.

Leading for the entire game with the largest margin coming with 1:30 remaining in the game, the Axemen allowed the Varsity Reds to narrow lead to two points at the 8:34 mark of the final quarter.

Acadia's Tyler Scott netted 22 points and went five-of-eight from behind the three-point line and was named the Subway Player of the Game for his effort.

Today's game also saw the return of reigning AUS defensive player of the year Owen Klassen, who dressed for the first time since sustaining an injury in December in exhibition play.

Klassen had 18 points in 22 minutes of play to go with seven rebounds, while Sears added 12 points in 18 minutes. Brad States pulled down six rebounds and finished with 11 points.

The Varsity Reds, who shot 38% from the floor compared to Acadia's 44%, had double digit points from Will McFee and Jordan Irvine - 18 and 17 respectively.

Head coach Stephen Baur was positive about the win despite some setbacks this season.

"We were thrown into some adversity this year in the form of injuries. That has given some guys opportunities and they have taken them. The thing we face now is getting used to different line-ups and playing together".

With Sears returning to the line-up along with Klassen, Baur knows what these two players bring back to the team.

"Anthony brings a lot of intangibles to the roster, and creates space for a lot of other people. We want to tighten up on defense right now…we were better earlier than now. The goal is to improve each week, so that needs to be corrected".

The Axemen face UNB for the second of a two-game weekend Sunday afternoon and then travel to Memorial for two games in Newfoundland next weekend.

Sunday's game can be seen live at: http://live.streamit.ca/?player=57

Source: Acadia Sports Information