UPEI fights off late charge by Acadia, winning 93-91

(CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.) - The UPEI Panthers were able to withstand a late charge by the visiting Acadia Axemen, holding on for a 93-91 win at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, Friday night in front of 600 fans.

The Panthers were looking to make a statement as the last time UPEI was at home they were dealt their first home loss of the season. The visiting Axemen had a statement of their own to make as they were trying to break a five game losing streak. It was clear that neither team was going to roll over for the other.

UPEI was able to take a one-point lead into the second quarter but Acadia was not about to back down. The teams were tied a total of nine times with both teams taking over the lead in the period.

UPEI held a slight lead after the first half, leading 50-46. It was the usual suspects for the Panthers leading the way as Ellis Ffrench (Wolfville, N.S.), had a huge 20-point first half with Tyler Scott (Halifax, N.S.), adding 10 of his own.

Acadia was getting something from everyone, with nine players scoring in the opening 20 minutes but it was Sean Stoqua (Ottawa, ON), leading the way with 14 points.

The Panthers maintained their momentum in the third quarter and were able to double their lead to 76-68, after three quarters propelled by an eight-point, five rebound quarter performance from Brad States (Bathurst, N.B.).

Acadia was not about to just pack it in for the night however and countered the Panthers in the fourth quarter to close the gap in the final minutes.

The Axemen continued to score by committee with six players finishing in double figures. Unfortunately, their comeback would fall short, as UPEI was able to ice the game with a couple of free throws, escaping with a 93-91 victory.

Tyler Scott led all scorers with 26 points but the Subway player of the game honours went to Brad States who was UPEI's catalyst. States finished with yet another double-double (20 points and 14 rebounds), drew three charged and blocked five shots in the victory.

Ben Miller (Winnipeg, Man.), and Sean Stoqua were the high scorers for Acadia with 14 points each. Rhys Larry (Maitland, Ont.), Shaquille Smith (North Preston, N.S.) and AJ Simmonds (Dartmouth, N.S.) all chipped in with 11 while Nick De Palma (Bedford, N.S.) added 12 of his own.

UPEI (12-4) travels to Fredericton to take on the AUS leading UNB Varsity Reds (12-3) Saturday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m.

The Acadia Axemen (4-12) look to break their losing streak when they face Saint Mary's (8-6) on Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. in Halifax.

Source: Jonathan Lane for UPEI Sports Communications