(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The UPEI Panthers prevailed in a defensive struggle, beating the UNB REDS 49-48, Thursday, in a four-point Atlantic University Sport men's basketball game, in Charlottetown.
"Obviously, this was an extremely tough game to lose," said REDS head coach Joe Salerno. "Four-pointers are so vital to everyone during this final stretch of the season. To lose one in the nature we did tonight, it's going to sting a bit."
The game was originally scheduled for January 13th, but was postponed due to weather.
Elijah Miller (Rexdale, ON) sunk three free throws with four seconds left to play to give the Panthers the win by slimmest of margins.
The REDS had a chance to win from the foul line three second later, but Norm Burry (Grafton, NB), who scored 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, couldn't connect on either foul shot.
UNB's Marcus Barnes (Kitchener, ON) led all scorers with 20 in the loss.
Miller led the Panthers with 19 points, while Kamari Scott (Malton, ON) scored 10 points and had 12 rebounds for a double-double, like Burry.
The low-scoring affair featured tough defence from both teams.
With UNB up 39-37 to start the fourth quarter, both teams hit a dry spell.
Neither scored until after the 4:30 mark.
"I'm proud of how our guys battled," said Coach Salerno. "It's tough to get road wins in this league, especially against quality teams like UPEI. We were in a position to do that, and just didn't get it done tonight."
The REDS bench contributed just seven points.
With the loss, UNB is 5-10 and sit in fourth place in the AUS standings.
The Panthers are second with a 10-4 record.
UPEI returns to action next Friday, when they host Saint Mary's.
The REDS are back in action on Saturday, when they visit Acadia.
"We need to have a short memory," said Salerno. "This makes for an even bigger game at Acadia on Saturday night."
Game time is scheduled for 8:00pm.
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Janessa Hogan/for UPEI Athletics