Laval defeats Acadia in Final 8 fifth-place game

CALGARY, Alta. — Acadia fell 85-76 to Laval on Sunday at Jack Simpson Gym in the fifth-place game at the U SPORTS Men's Basketball Final 8.

With the loss, the Axemen finish the season in sixth place.

Acadia shot well from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 28 three-point attempts for 39.3 per cent. However, Laval's advantage at the free-throw line proved decisive.

Briawne Wilson led Acadia with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Kyle Munro scored 11 points, hitting three three-pointers and adding five rebounds. Robbie Grant also finished with 11 points and four assists. Ryan Regault recorded eight points and five assists.

Acadia opened the game with an early lead when Grant hit a fast-break three-pointer at 8:08. Laval answered with a three-pointer from Chakib Sedoud, assisted by Chris Tshibola.

Donovan Reid later tied the game at five with a layup set up by Regault. Laval built a seven-point lead midway through the half, but Acadia responded late. Samou Brayan Kone finished a dunk just before the buzzer, assisted by Grant, to give Acadia a 15-14 lead after the opening quarter.

Acadia maintained a narrow edge in the second quarter. Erik Hayden hit two three-pointers, while Grant and Munro added baskets. Munro's three-pointer with 2:20 remaining gave Acadia a four-point advantage.

Laval closed the gap late in the quarter. Jayden Larosiliere scored on a fast break, and Tshibola added free throws in the final seconds. Acadia held a 35-33 lead at halftime.

Laval took control in the third quarter, outscoring Acadia 25-14. Tshibola led the run with consecutive jumpers, while Sedoud added a three-pointer and a layup to extend Laval's lead to 11 points. Despite a late three-pointer from Gabe Davignon, Acadia trailed entering the final period.

Laval maintained its lead in the fourth quarter. Acadia received baskets from Davignon and Doudou Christ Emmanuel Diop, including a late fast-break dunk, but Laval continued to respond with timely scoring.

Sedoud added a late three-pointer to secure the 85-76 win.

Tshibola led Laval with 24 points. Larosiliere added 17 points and four steals, while Sedoud finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Khaly Amadou Thiam recorded 10 rebounds and two blocks.