Axemen edge Cape Breton in high-scoring battle

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axemen held off the Cape Breton Capers for a 92-89 victory in a closely contested game Friday night at Stu Aberdeen Court.

Glen Cox led Acadia with 33 points, making 13 of 25 field-goal attempts and hitting seven of 10 free throws. He also pulled down 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Kyle Munro added 13 points, shooting 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, and grabbed five rebounds. Ryan Regault was a key playmaker, dishing out a team-high 11 assists while also contributing eight points, four rebounds and two steals. Donovan Reid anchored the defence with two blocks and chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

Cape Breton opened strong, building a 13-point lead in the first half. Shakael Pryce hit two three-pointers, including one at the 5:50 mark, to help the visitors maintain control. Despite efforts from Cox and Reid, Acadia struggled to find offensive rhythm, and the Capers closed the half with a 28-17 lead, highlighted by a three-pointer and a free throw from Sacade Kasamba.

Acadia took over in the second quarter, outscoring Cape Breton 35-18. Cox and Munro led the offensive charge, with Cox contributing on both ends of the floor with a block, a steal and several key baskets. A late three-pointer by Alain Mapendo helped Acadia secure a 52-46 halftime lead.

The back-and-forth battle continued in the third quarter. Pryce opened with a three-pointer to tie the game at 49-49, while Aaron Cunningham helped Cape Breton edge ahead 54-52. Cox responded with multiple layups, giving Acadia a 58-54 advantage. A late three-pointer from Briawne Wilson tied the game at 68-68 before Gabe Davignon put Acadia back in front with two free throws, ending the quarter with a 70-68 lead.

The final frame saw Cape Breton briefly regain the lead with a layup by Tyson Cato at 9:45, but Acadia answered with three straight free throws from Davignon. A three-pointer by Justus Peuser put the Capers back on top, but Regault hit crucial free throws in the final minute to seal the 92-89 win for the Axemen.

Pryce led Cape Breton with 18 points, hitting four three-pointers and recording 10 assists. Tafarian Black added 17 points, two blocks and two steals, while Cunningham scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Cato finished with 12 points and three rebounds, and Peuser contributed nine points on three three-pointers.

The Axemen return to action Sunday at 4 p.m. when they host Dalhousie.