(SYDNEY, NS) The Cape Breton Capers scored their first win of the season on Saturday, beating the UNB Reds 59-56 in a defensive showdown.

The Capers got off to a good start, outscoring the Reds 17-7 in the first quarter.

Both teams found it difficult to get any extended scoring going.

The Capers were able to get to the foul line 33 times, compared to UNB's 10, and CBU made good use of those free throws, hitting almost 73% of them.

Cape Breton never trailed, and were led by their backcourt duo of Monique Calliste (Toronto, ON), who scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Mackenzee Ryan (Glace Bay, NS), who also had 19 points.

The Reds had three players in double figures.

Krystal Osburn (Nottawa, ON) led the way with 14 points and six rebounds, while Mikaela Dodig (Bolton, ON) and Eva Tumwine (Fredericton, NB) had 13 and 12 points respectively.

Calliste was named the Subway Player of the Game.

With the win, the Capers are now 1-and-5, while the Reds fall to 2-and-4.

Next up for the Capers, a trip to Charlottetown where they'll take on UPEI, next Saturday.

UNB plays host to the Saint Mary's Huskies next Saturday. Game time is 6:00pm.

RECAP BY: CBU Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Vaughan Merchant/for CBU Athletics