No. 4 CAPERS knock No. 2 X-Men from unbeaten ranks

In a game university basketball fans have dreamed off all season, the Cape Breton University CAPERS took down the previously undefeated St. Francis Xavier X-Men 85-82 in Atlantic University Sport men’s basketball action Wednesday night in front of a full house of very energetic and passionate CAPER fans at CBU’s Sullivan Field House.

Ranked No. 4 in the country and carrying a 15-game winning streak into the contest, CBU came flying out of the gates, jumping to a 6-0 lead early in the game. While an early timeout seeming to settle the visiting X-Men, the CAPERS kept the pressure on and held a 23-15 lead after one quarter of play.

In the second quarter, the No. 2 ranked X-Men managed to keep the home team in check, but CBU still held a seven-point lead at halftime, taking a 43-36 advantage to the dressing room.

CBU maintained the seven-point edge through a low scoring third quarter, leading 61-54 through 30 minutes and setting the stage for an explosive fourth quarter.

The X-Men used the long ball, dropping several key three-point shots to take the lead midway through the final quarter, but the CAPERS held their composure, battling back with key defensive stops and timely free throws to take the lead back for good with just under two minutes to play.

Subway game MVP Paris Carter kept the CAPERS ahead of the bombing X-Men and the CAPERS sent a capacity crowd home happy with an 85-82 victory.

Carter finished with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Dorsey added 19 points, eight boards and eight assists while Phillip Nkrumah chipped in with 11 points and seven boards.

Christian Upsahw led the X-Men 21 points, five rebounds and five assists while Jeremy Dunn finished with 20 points and six helpers.

The CAPERS, who now hold sole possession of top spot in the AUS standings will put there winning streak on the line Friday, February 26 when they travel to StFX for the rematch.

This game can be viewed live on webcast at SSN Canada.

Source:

John Ryan
Director of Athletics
Cape Breton University