Varsity Reds get past Huskies at home

(HALIFAX, N.S.) The visiting No. 7 UNB Varsity Reds defeated the SMU Huskies 82-75 in AUS men's basketball action Friday night. 

UNB shot 42.9% (12-28) from three-point land on the night and Javon Masters led all scorers with 23 points and went 14-14 from the foul line.

UNB opened up the scoring pace early in the first quarter and led 28-18 after 10 minutes. 

SMU set the scoring pace in the second quarter 21-19 to trim the UNB led to 47-39 at the half.

Both teams opened up the third quarter evenly and the scoring was 16-16 with UNB holding on to a 63-55 lead.

The fourth quarter saw Saint Mary's climb back and even up the score 70-70 on Jermey McAvoy's three pointer with 4:11 remaining and took the lead 72-70 on a Kemar Alleyne layup with 2:54 to go in the game. 

The Varsity Reds followed up a time-out and with a 12-3 run to close out the game. 

UNB moves to 3-0 while SMU goes to 1-1 early in AUS action.

The Huskies were led by Marquis Clayton's 20 points and seven assists while Osman Barrie had a double-double on the night with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Huskies.

Jermey McAvoy added 14 points on 4-8 shooting from three point land for SMU, who on the night shot 29.4% (5-17) from beyond the three point line. 

Also scoring for the Huskies were Achuil Lualaba with 10 points, Ryan Augustine eight points and Alleyne finished with three points. Aaron Fisher added two points. 

Saint Mary's outshot UNB 42.6% (29-68) to 35.6% (26-73) on the night and had more points in the paint 42-24.  

UNB out rebounded SMU 49-42 and finished with a slight free throw advantage 81.8% (18-22) compared to SMU's 80% (12-15).

Both teams return to the Homburg Centre Saturday night for the second game of their double-header weekend. Tip off is at 8pm.

With files from SMU Sports Information.

Photo by Nick Pearce.