Axemen and Huskies christen new Metro Centre

The 1978 men's basketball nationals were once again in Halifax. This time, the venue was the brand-new Metro Centre, hosting its first major sporting event.

The Atlantic conference was represented by traditional rivals Acadia and Saint Mary's. The Axemen had repeated as conference champions, but the talented Huskies could never be taken for granted.

Acadia was making its twelfth nationals appearance in 16 years, and had to be considered one of the favorites to win. Holdovers included Alvin Jessamy, Ted Upshaw and Gordie West, while Victor Soares and Michael Hazard were notable newcomers.

Acadia opened against Laurentian, and sparked by a strong second half, scored a 71-65 win. Soares had 23 points, Jessamy 16, Hazard 12 and West 10.

Saint Mary's advanced to the semifinals with a 92-81 upset win over Manitoba. In the semifinals, the Axemen and Huskies took on York and Victoria, a pair of teams on the cusp of greatness.

Despite the offensive prowess of both AIBC squads, Acadia's 82-71 win over York and the Huskies' 82-79 victory over Victoria proved both teams could play defense as well.

Soares led the Axemen over York with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Hazard chipped in 19, Ted Upshaw 17 and Jessamy 12 as Acadia methodically wore down the youthful Yeomen.

The stage was set for the national final everyone in Atlantic Canada had been dreaming of. And though SMU had experienced an up-and-down season, most believed the contest really was too close to call.

A capacity crowd of more than 10,000 got their money's worth and more. There were potential game-day heroes on both sides, but few would have expected SMU guard Ron McFarland to be among them.

In the first half, McFarland and Hazard matched each other pretty much shot for shot, with McFarland outscoring Hazard 18-17. Saint Mary's went to the dressing room with a 52-49 halftime lead.

After the intermission, the game remained close, the audience viewing the action from the edge of their seats. Trailing 83-70 with six minutes left, Acadia pulled to within five with under two minutes to play. McFarland, however, simply wouldn't let Saint Mary's lose, combining with teammate Frank White to score the Huskies final 17 points in a 99-91 win.

Jessamy, in his final appearance in an Acadia uniform, and Hazard both finished with 25 points. Soares added 23, and Ted Upshaw 14. McFarland led all scorers with 38 points for the Huskies. White chipped in 26 and Tom Kappos 16. The Metro Centre had been well and truly christened.