X-Men Prevail In OT

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS lost in overtime to the STFX X-Men Friday night in Atlantic University Sport men's basketball action at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.

DJ Jackson (Mississauga, ON) led all scorers with 29 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

Javordo Mitchell (Woodbridge, ON) led the REDS with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

The REDS got off to a slow start, allowing the X-Men to score seven points before getting on the board.

Mid-way through the first quarter, Mitchell made a big impact on defense, helping the REDS take the lead.

After the first 10 minutes, the REDS led 16-13.

The first half of the second quarter was a back-and-forth battle until the REDS found their groove, racking up 10 consecutive points.

Jackson chipped away at the REDS' lead, leaving the score 38-34 for the REDS heading into the second half.

The third quarter saw strong defensive play on both ends.

The X-Men briefly took the lead, but the REDS quickly responded with back-to-back layups from Eden Otshudi (Hamilton, ON).

Mitchell continued to play a key role for the REDS, helping them extend their lead to 58-51 by the end of the third.

As seen throughout most of the game, the two teams traded points in a back-and-forth battle for much of the fourth quarter.

With two minutes left, the score was tied at 71-71.

Both teams made solid attempts to win in regulation, but the score was tied 76-76 at the end of the fourth, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, the X-Men went on a run.

The REDS fought hard to close the gap, but came up short, allowing the X-Men to secure the win.

With the loss, UNB falls to 1-and-4, and are now tied for seventh in the AUS standings.

The X-Men, at 4-and-1, are co-leaders with Cape Breton.

The REDS and X-Men meet again Saturday afternoon in a re-match. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00pm.

RECAP BY: Shelby MacIsaac/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics