Huskies remain undefeated with win over Axemen

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The Acadia Axemen lost to the U SPORTS No. 5 ranked Saint Mary's Huskies at home on Thursday night by a score of 103-93.

The Axemen began the game with a strong run and grabbed an early 10-4 lead, but the Huskies responded quickly to end the quarter with a 22-18 opening frame lead.

Saint Mary's capitalized on points coming from the distant arc, netting four to Acadia's one.

The pace remained fast in the second quarter, with both teams going back and forth with no well-established leads forming. The Huskies continued to stay hot from behind the arch, while Acadia made plenty of trips to the charity line.

Nico Brauner (Hettenhain, Germany) of the Huskies lead all players at half with 15 points and three assists. Brauner shot five for nine from the field, including two of three from three.

Brauner would finish the game with a game high 34 points and five assists. His leading performance secured him the Subway Player of the Game honours.

With a 51-45 Saint Mary's lead at the half, the Huskies opened the third quarter with an 11 point run, pushing the Axemen into a 19 point deficit that they would try and chip away at throughout the remainder of the game.

The Axemen started to rally together in the final minutes of regulation time, reigniting the crowd and pushing for a comeback. With two minutes left Acadia trailed only by seven points.

Acadia had several chances off of their own rebounds but could not convert. Saint Mary's was able to hold onto their lead.

The 13-0 Huskies remain undefeated after a 103-93 win over the Axemen who drop to 4-9.

First year Axeman guard Jacques Lukusa (Ottawa, Ont.) of the Axemen put up 28 points for the loss. His impressive performance had him recognized as Acadia's Player of the Game.

The Huskies benefited from their three point shots (16/39) - a field that the Axemen struggled in (5/21). Saint Mary's garnered 24 points off of turnovers.

Both teams will meet again on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. on Stu Aberdeen Court in the last of a four-game season series. The Huskies lead the series 3-0.

By Theodore Giesen, Acadia Athletics Communications