Tigers pull away late to edge Axemen in season opener

HALIFAX, N.S. — Acadia fell 81–76 to Dalhousie on Wednesday, undone by a fourth-quarter run and a decisive rebounding and free-throw margin at the Dalplex.

The Axemen trailed 25–18 after one and 46–39 at half, then tightened defensively in the third to pull within 56–55. The Tigers opened the fourth with a 10–0 push and kept control down the stretch. Dalhousie finished with a 38–24 advantage on the boards and outscored Acadia 26–9 at the free-throw line.

Ryan Regault paced Acadia with 16 points and six rebounds. Robbie Grant added 15, including two three-pointers, while Malko Young had 13 and five assists. Briawne Wilson scored nine off the bench and Donovan Reid went 4-for-4 at the stripe for six.

Spencer Riar led Dalhousie with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Lydell Husbands-Browne posted 17 points, nine assists and four steals. Riley Stewart added 14 and Austin Thomson chipped in 10.

Acadia shot 45.5 per cent from the field and 33.3 per cent from three (7-for-21). The Axemen's bench outscored Dalhousie's 27–18, but the Tigers closed it out at the line in the final minute.

Next up: The Axemen host Dalhousie in their home opener Saturday on Stu Aberdeen Court. Tipoff is 8 p.m.