(FREDERICTON, NB) Greg Manuel (Mineville, NS) had 11 points and five rebounds as the UNB REDS closed out their Atlantic University Sport regular season with a 78-64 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies on Saturday.
Manuel's performance earned him Subway Play of the Game in his final regular season appearance for the REDS.
"It was definitely a rough few games, coming off an unexpected break, but it's good to get two wins at home, get a little bit of momentum going into playoffs next week and we're looking forward to it," said Manuel.
Norm Burry (Grafton, NB) led the REDS with 15 points and six rebounds while Sterling Simpson (Fredericton, NB) added 12 points and four rebounds.
With two three-pointers in his final regular season game, graduating guard Chris Spurrell (Quispamsis, NB) broke the REDS program record for most three-pointers scored with 177 in his career.
This passes the old mark of 176 held by Jeff Cotter, which he established through the 1997-98 and 2001-02 seasons.
Jackson Enyinna (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) led the Huskies with a game-high 16 points and nine rebounds while Jace Colley (East Preston, NS) had 15 points and five rebounds.
The game was played in front of 806 fans at UNB's Currie Center.
The game opened with a back and forth first quarter, with the REDS having the slight edge 15-10.
The REDS took control in the second, opening the frame with an 11-1 run to lead 26-11.
They would back it up with strong defensive plays, especially in the paint, to frustrate the Huskies offense and take a 32-22 lead into halftime.
"We work together, grind it out and get stuff done," said Manuel.
Much like yesterday's game, UNB's strongest quarter was the third, outscoring SMU by 11 to expand their lead to 61-40 heading into the fourth.
The Huskies would put a dent in the REDS lead, but it was not enough as UNB took the game with a 78-64 final.
Both teams will now head to the AUS Championship Tournament, which begins Thursday, in Halifax.
The REDS finish the season in seventh place, at 7-8 and will play the STFX X-Men in the first round, on Thursday.
The Huskies sit fourth, at 9-7, and will face Memorial, on Friday.
RECAP BY: Jonathon James/for UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics