Axemen advance to Nationals as Conference Champions

In contrast to their disappointment in the 1996 conference playoffs, the Acadia Axemen advanced to the 1998 nationals in Halifax as AUBC champions for the first time since 1991 and the 14^th time since 1963.

Led by 6'7” forward Jan Trojanowski who won his first of two AUAA Player of the Year awards, the 1997-1998 Axemen finished first in the regular season with a 16-4 record. Trojanowski, a model of consistency all season, averaged 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game and was a first-team all-star.

All eight AUBC teams took part in the conference playoffs in Halifax. The Axemen opened against UPEI and soundly defeated the Panthers 73-46. J.P. Fleurantin led the offense with 17 points, nine of them on three-pointers. Derek Cotton added 16 points and 17 rebounds, and Trojanowski had 10 points.

Acadia met UNB in the semifinals and earned a 76-68 win. Fleurantin led the way with 21 points and Sam Worrell added 16 off the bench. Trojanowski had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Against Dalhousie in the conference final, the Axemen prevailed 75-66 to win the conference. Trojanowski had a huge game with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Cotton added 15 points, Fleurantin 11 and point guard Chris Cain had 10 points and 12 assists despite playing with a sprained shoulder.

Moving on to the 36^th nationals, once again played in Halifax, fifth-seed Acadia opened against McMaster and, as they had in 1996, ended up losing their quarter-final, this time by a 77-67 margin.

Cotton led Acadia with 19, and Trojanowski had 18 points and 14 rebounds. The Axemen fought back from a 15-point deficit to tie the score, and most of McMaster's margin of victory was courtesy of foul shots made in the final minutes.

For the second time in three years, Acadia was left to play for pride in the consolation bracket. In their semifinal against Waterloo, they were the team that wanted it more, scoring a 76-69 victory.

Cotton had another strong game with 19 points and seven rebounds, and Jim O'Grady (13 points, nine boards) also stepped up his play when Trojanowski was limited to 25 minutes and seven points by foul trouble. Fleurantin hooped 16 points, including four threes, and Victor Herbert added 10.

Acadia moved on to face Brandon in the consolation final and eked out a 71-70 win. Fleurantin was the hero, his basket with two seconds remaining accounting for the winning margin, but the real story was Trojanowski who poured in 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a huge performance.