UNB Hangs On, Beats SMU

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Varsity Reds built a 13-0 lead out of the gate, then had to hang on to beat the Saint Mary's Huskies 94-85 on Saturday afternoon.

The Varsity Reds scored the first 13 points of the game, but the Huskies were able to chip away at the deficit, and trailed by just one… 40-39… at the half.

Kemar Alleyne(Toronto, ON) scored a game-high 30 points for the Huskies in the loss. Osman Barrie(Ottawa, ON) added 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Varsity Reds were led by Will Legere(Amherst, NS) and Ogot Ogot(Edmonton, AB). Both scored 14 points.

Hess Mayele(Laval, QC) and Tyronn King(Toronto, ON) each added 12.

Mayele was named the Subway Player of the Game.

"We came with a lot of energy and focus," said Mayele, of UNB's quick start. "Last night, we had a hard time getting into it, but this time there was focus and attention."

Less than 24 hours after becoming the new U SPORTS all-time scoring leader, UNB's Javon Masters(Kitchener, ON) scored just nine points.

"Nine points, it doesn't matter. We got the win, that's what matters," said Masters. "Tyronn played very well. Hess played well. It's not only me that can score baskets. It wasn't just me. We can impact different ways in a game, so I'm happy for those guys."

With the win, UNB is now 12-3. The Varsity Reds are second in the Atlantic University Sport standings.

The Huskies sit fifth, with a 7-6 record.

"We didn't play well, we didn't defend well," said Barrie, of the Huskies slow start. "Coach had to yell at us and wake us up, and we started playing well."

"We have a young team, we're still building. The most important thing for us is March. That's what we're building for. I'd rather take the loss now than later. So, we've just got to get back to practice and fix what we need to."

Saint Mary has a few days to work on fixing things. They travel to Acadia on Thursday. That four-point game is scheduled to tip-off at 8:00pm.

The Varsity Reds visit Antigonish on Friday. That four-point game is scheduled to tip-off at 8:00pm as well.

RECAP AND PHOTOS BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics