Poor start costs UNB big points in tight playoff race

Cape Breton scored early and often as the top team in the AUS defeated the UNB Varsity Reds 88-68.

The hometown Reds fell behind early, allowing CBU to open the match on a 12-0 run. It wasn’t the outcome UNB desired in their final match at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym, as the closest the Reds came to CBU was a six-point margin.

As the regular season is drawing to a close, the loss could have detrimental effects to the Reds’ playoffs hopes. However, losses from Saint Mary’s and Acadia added some insurance to their postseason bid.

After 18 games played, UNB remains in fourth place with 20 points. Saint Mary’s and UPEI sit fifth and sixth respectively with 18 points apiece. Acadia, the seventh seed, have two games in hand on the three squads they’re chasing, but continue to sit six points out of the final playoff spot.

Despite having their playoffs hopes still very alive, UNB head coach Brent Baker was displeased with his team’s offensive performance against the country’s fifth-ranked club.

“You can’t come out and miss as many shots as we missed in the first quarter. It was the telltale tape of the game. They’re not ranked in the top of five because they’re poor,” said Baker.

“You can’t spot this type of team that kind of lead.”

The Reds were caught flat-footed in the first quarter, dropping the frame 19-6. The home team began to fight back in the match, but couldn’t contain CBU guard Paris Carter.

The 6’4’’ Baltimore, Maryland native nailed three daggers from beyond the arc that squashed any attempt at a comeback. Carter led his squad into the half with 46-33 lead.

“We didn’t have an answer to him,” said Baker simply.

The offensive onslaught continued into the second half as the Capers opened up an 80-51 lead at one point in the fourth quarter. Even a pair of threes from Dustin Anthony was not enough to spark the Reds and CBU coasted to their fifteenth win.

Baker did see some positives in the defeat. Colton Wilson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Daniel Quirion scored the team high with 13 points.

The Reds did keep pace with the Capers’ high-octane offence during the match. The teams squared off the second quarter 27-27 and only loss the fourth frame by one point. They just couldn’t overcome their poor start.

“It’s the not the fact that you can’t compete with this team,” explained Baker. “It’s the fact that you can’t dig yourself a hole against this type of team.”

According to the UNB coach, their early offensive woes leaked into their defensive game and the Capers capitalized.

“Those have to separate entities and we didn’t do that. We came down and missed shots and we let that affect what we do defensively. That snowballs on you sometimes,” said Baker.

“We hurt ourselves. We didn’t play our game.”

UNB will get another shot at the Capers and a chance to lock up a playoff spot next weekend when they travel to CBU and StFX in the final weekend of the regular season.