(HALIFAX, NS) In their first matchup of the season, the Dalhousie Tigers took down the UNB Varsity Reds 85-68, in a key four-point game in front of a near capacity crowd at Dalhousie's Dalplex.

In a fast paced, transition dominant start to the game, it was a block party on both sides early. Cedric Sanogo(Montreal, QC) picked up blocks on back to back plays, while Dylan Baker(Narre Warren South, AUS) showed his athleticism on a chase down block to take away an easy layup.

The opening minutes set the tone for the game early, with a physical contest resulting in three-point plays coming on both ends for Keevan Veinot(Port Williams, NS) and Javon Masters(Kitchener, ON).

The shooting cooled down for both teams in the second quarter, with the defence on both sides forcing turnovers and tough shots.

Masters continued to find timely scoring for the Varsity Reds to keep the game close, but the Tigers held the edge.

Cooper Wilks(Sydney, AUS) pitched in, getting down low in the final minutes of the half to get to the line and make free throws count. His shots from the line brought the Varsity Reds within four, and UNB went to the break trailing 37-33.

Ibrahima Doumbouya(Calgary, AB) proved that he was not only an inside threat by knocking down a deep three-point shot to open the third quarter for UNB, leading their scoring with 14 points.

Heading into the fourth the Tigers led 62-49 and pulled away to win 85-68.

Masters finished the game with an impressive stat-line of 20 points, five assists and four rebounds, going 10-10 from the free throw line.

The Tigers are back in action Tuesday, when they travel to St FX.

UNB will take on Saint Mary's in back to back games at the Richard J. Currie Center, Friday and Saturday.

RECAP BY: Kirk Jessome/for Dal Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Trevor MacMillan/for Dal Athletics