By John DeCoste
jdecoste@kingscountynews.ca
NovaNewsNow.com
The results of Wednesday evening’s Acadia-Dalhousie basketball season openers could be an early indication of just how competitive the conference might be this season.
The Axemen pulled out a 71-68 decision in a game that featured a low-scoring first half. The CIS seventh-ranked Axewomen weren’t as fortunate, being spanked 76-60 as the Tigers dominated the rebounding stats. Both games were worth four points in the standings.
In the women’s game, host Dalhousie led 18-11 after one quarter and 37-32 at halftime. The Tigers then captured the third and fourth quarters.
The rebounding stats were eye-popping as neither team shot particularly well. The Tigers finished with 66 rebounds (28 offensive and 38 defensive) to Acadia’s total of 15-30-45.
Abbey Duinker led Acadia with 19 points and 15 boards, and Kristy Moore finished with 18 points. A major factor in the end result for Acadia was Emma Duinker, who ended up in early foul trouble, being uncharacteristically held off the scoreboard altogether.
In the men’s game, Acadia led 16-13 after one quarter and 27-26 at halftime. Dalhousie won an entertaining third quarter 23-21, and the Axemen pulled out the fourth 23-19 to win by three.
The game was well played, but lacked flow due to 22 of 36 fouls being called on Acadia. Fortunately for the Axemen, Dalhousie could only make 13 of 22 free throws. The Tigers won the rebounding battle 40-32, including a 23-10 edge at the offensive glass.
Tyler Scott continued his solid play so far this year with a 23-point performance, including five-for-five on three-pointers. Owen Klassen chipped in 14 points, Justin Boutilier nine and Anthony Ashe eight to go along with a team-high nine boards.
Next action for the Axemen and Axewomen will be home openers Friday, Nov. 18 against St. F.X., followed by games against UNB the following afternoon.
