UNB defeats SMU 107-97 in men’s basketball, teams combine for 65 points in fourth quarter

(Halifax, NS)—Javon Masters poured in 43 points to help his UNB Varsity Reds defeat the SMU Huskies 107-97 Friday night in AUS men's basketball action from the Homburg Centre.

Leading 70-69 after thirty minutes the UNB lead didn't last long as SMU hit a pair of free-throws to take a 71-70 lead with 9:44 left to start the fourth quarter.

Both teams traded baskets and ties of 77-77 and 79-79 were as close as SMU got in the final quarter, as Masters had 17 for the Varsity Reds down the stretch.

UNB jumped out to a 26-20 first quarter lead and SMU used a 27-21 second quarter score to end the half tied 47-47.

The Varsity Reds used a slim 23-22 third quarter frame, taking the lead on a layup with thirteen seconds left.

Jesse Kendall (Guelph, ON) added 20 points for UNB while Masters (Kitchener, ON) went 14 for 15 from the foul line.

UNB improves to 9-6 and sits in third place with 24 points in conference play.

SMU drops to 5-8 and sit tied with 5-9 Memorial with 12 points and one game in hand.

Brian Rouse (Mississauga, ON) kept pace with Masters in the scoring department for Saint Mary's with a double-double, 31 points and 11 rebounds.

Ottawa's Osman Barrie also added a double-double for SMU with 26 points and 15 rebounds.

Theon Reefer (Toronto) and Kemar Alleyne (Scarborough, ON) each had 18 and 15 points respectively for the Huskies.

Both teams conclude their weekend series at the Homburg Centre Saturday at 8 pm.