SMU Comeback Drops REDS

(HALIFAX, NS) The Saint Mary's Huskies rallied to beat the UNB REDS 93-82, on Saturday, in Halifax.

In a heated Atlantic University Sport match-up at SMU's Homburg Centre, the REDS took command in the first quarter, going on a 15-0 run down the stretch to end it 27-15. The lead changed five times in the first ten minutes. 

Jace Colley (East Preston, NS) for SMU and Ibrahima Doumbouya (Calgary, AB) for UNB paced their sides with 7 points each, as UNB shot 100 percent from the free-throw line in the first.

UNB's size was a problem for Saint Mary's early on, as their key shooters struggled to run back and forth to defend the boards against the height and experience of Tyrell Leotaud (Ajax, ON), Doumbouya and Chris Spurrell (Quispamsis, NB) who combined for 14 points and 7 rebounds before the second.

Early in the second frame, the Huskies continued to stagger their starters to avoid foul trouble while playing with a short bench.

SMU hit an 8-0 run to drop the REDS lead to 32-28. The Huskies then found their stride and took the lead in the final stretch of the half to end it 41-38. With three fouls each, UNB starters Norm Burry (Grafton, NB) and Doumbouya were held to a combined single point, as both sat on the bench for most of the frame. 

A wild third quarter saw the lead swapped five times, with a final score of 67-63 for the REDS at the end of the frame. Reese Zorogole (Halifax, NS) and Doumbouya were both in double digits by the end of the third, combining for 27 points.  

With Leotaud heading to the UNB bench in the fourth, the Huskies put together a 7-0 run. 

Doumbouya made noise in the fourth, scoring 10 points and grabbing six boards.

The Huskies took control and led 84-76 after a soft layup by Colley helped complete a 17-4 run. 

A final score of 93-82 saw all points for SMU coming from their five starters, with all but one hitting double-digits. Nikita Kasongo (Chateauguay, QC) missed a triple-double by one rebound, ending the game with 18 points, 11 assists and nine boards. Kasongo currently leads the AUS in scoring.

The star for UNB, Doumbouya, hit 24 points and 14 rebounds, and leads the AUS in rebounds with 45 after.

The Subway Player of the Game was Colley, at 28 points and six rebounds.

The undefeated Huskies are now 4-and-0. The REDS are 1-and-3.

Next up, the Huskies host the StFX on Wednesday. The REDS host Acadia on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00pm.

RECAP BY: Lauren Phillips/for SMU Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Mona Ghiz/for SMU Athletics