(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Varsity Reds moved atop the Atlantic University Sport standings with a 99-93 win over the Cape Breton University Capers on Friday.
Javon Masters(Kitchener, ON) scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Varsity Reds.
Hess Mayele(Montreal, QC) added 21 for UNB, while Chris Spurrell(Rothesay, NB) scored 15 and Jamaal Potopsingh(Brampton, ON) had 9 rebounds.
All five Capers starters scored in double-figures, led by Jack MacAuley(Charlottetown, PE), who dropped 23. Kenny Jean-Louis(Montreal, QC) scored 22 and Kyle Hankins(Burlington, ON) added 21.
The Capers dressed just seven players.
The Varsity Reds have now won four straight. Their 13-6 record is good for 38 points and first place in the AUS.
The Capers are 0-17.
The Varsity Reds built an 18-5 first quarter lead, but the Capers pushed back. They trailed 25-17 after one.
The Capers outscored the VReds in the second quarter, but were down 44-38 at the half.
The teams traded punches through much of the second half, with the Varsity Reds holding on for the 99-93 victory.
"If they're full strength, we lose by 20 today," said Varsity Reds head coach Brent Baker.
In early January, the Varsity Reds scored a 40 point win over the Capers, in Sydney.
"When you go up and beat a team in Cape Breton by 40 points, no matter what you do, no matter what you tell them all week, it's hard to motivate them," said Baker.
"They caught us off guard a bit," said Spurrell, named Subway Player of the Game. "After beating them by 40, we can't really settle for beating them by six."
As for why the game was so close, Spurrell said, "they were hitting some tough shots." He added, "we can't worry about those, we just have to dig in on defence, play team defence. If we do that and work hard, we'll get wins."
And win they did.
Despite the loss, Capers head coach David Petroziello was happy with his team's effort.
"We're decimated by injuries and we're really struggling with that, but I have to tip my cap to our guys who are still active, and still battling, playing with class. I'm really proud of them."
The Varsity Reds will wrap up their regular season schedule next Friday, at St. FX.
The Capers head to UPEI for a Sunday afternoon contest.