Regault scores 16 as Axemen fall to Cape Breton

Acadia fell 77–72 to Cape Breton on Friday night at Stu Aberdeen Court, despite forcing 28 turnovers and collecting 18 steals. The Capers' efficient shooting and late-game execution proved the difference in a tight matchup.

Ryan Regault led Acadia with 16 points, including two three-pointers, and added four assists. Malko Young scored 15 points and hit four threes, while recording a block. Briawne Wilson added 11 points, four rebounds and two steals. Robbie Grant finished with eight points and five steals, and Gabe Davignon contributed 11 points and matched Grant with five steals of his own.

The game opened with Acadia taking a brief lead on Davignon's free throws. Cape Breton answered quickly through Stefan Anisko, who tied the game early and helped the Capers generate a 10-point lead late in the quarter. A layup from Grant in the final seconds kept Acadia within striking distance, but Cape Breton closed the opening frame ahead 22–16.

Acadia responded with its strongest stretch in the second quarter, outscoring Cape Breton 21–12. Grant's layup sparked the push, and despite a three-pointer by Tayshaun Thomas that temporarily extended the Capers' lead, the Axemen surged back. Davignon tied the game at 32 on a three-point play, and Young hit a three with just over a minute left, giving Acadia a 37–34 halftime lead.

The third quarter remained tight, with Cape Breton edging Acadia 18–17. Munro's free throws put the Axemen ahead by four early in the frame before Cape Breton regained momentum behind key plays from Justus Peuser. His layup and free throws late in the quarter restored the Capers' lead, though Davignon's late free throws brought Acadia within one entering the final stretch.

In the fourth quarter, Regault briefly restored Acadia's lead at 58–54 with a strong finish at the rim. Cape Breton countered with steady scoring from Anisko and Thomas. Anisko's three-pointer with 1:21 remaining put Cape Breton up 75–72. Acadia had chances to respond, but a late turnover led to a fastbreak dunk by Thomas, sealing a 77–72 Capers win.

Anisko led Cape Breton with 20 points on 8-for-18 shooting. Tafarian Black dominated defensively with 12 rebounds, while Liai Tong added 13 points, two blocks and two steals. Thomas finished with 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting and added two steals.

Up next: Acadia travels to Halifax to face Saint Mary's on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.