The UNB Varsity Reds won their AUS home opener match against the visiting UPEI Panthers by a score of 93-81.
A huge 44 point performance from rookie Javon Masters propelled the V-Reds to victory.
Javon Masters joined the game and quickly netted five points to tie the game up at 14-14, before going to the foul line and sinking two more to give the V-Reds a 16-14 lead. Masters then went back to the foul line twice more to add three more points, giving the V-Reds a 19-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.
PEI came out strong in the second quarter with early baskets from forwards Joe Kendrick and Brian Ofori and jumped ahead 24-21. UPEI then won the next 12 of 15 points to accumulate a commanding 36-24 lead. The Varsity Reds fought back however with a three-pointer and a jump shot from Masters to narrow the gap to 10. A final jump shot from PEI's number six Donathan Moss ended the quarter 42-30.
The third quarter saw Masters come out flying for UNB, narrowing the margin to 44-35. UNB picked up their passing game, enabling Daniel Quirion to score five back-to-back points. Masters' continual driving to the net drew the bulk of the fouls against UNB. Including a three-point and-one play to bring the V-Reds to a close 56-54 score. The teams exchanged baskets ending the quarter 62-60 for PEI.
The final quarter continued with physical play and Masters returning to the foul line. Moss on PEI answered back with two free throws of his own, making the score 64-60. UNB's centre Michael Fazzolari added a strong under-the-net presence allowing him to pull the V-Reds even 74-74. On a huge breakaway play Masters snatched the lead away from UPEI 76-74. Quirion added a three pointer to increase the lead 79-74. The V-Reds shut UPEI down with crisp passing and stalwart defence. Masters ended the game with two more points, finishing the match 93-81.
When asked about his performance Masters remained humble saying, "I didn't even think, I was playing in the flow of the game; I didn't even realize I had 44 till after. It's about the team."
The Varsity Reds will face UPEI tomorrow in a rematch of tonight's game.