Mounties Hold Off Blue Devils for Fifth-Straight Win
The Mount Allison Mounties men's basketball team returned to the McCormack Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon for their final home game of the regular season as they welcomed the UKC Blue Devils to Sackville. Prior to tip-off, Head Coach Steve Chapman took some time to honour Manager Noah Lenehan for his service and dedication to the men's basketball program over his four years at Mount Allison.
It would be the visiting Blue Devils who would get off to a hot start however as they were powered by aggressive play from Caleb Rennie who had 9 points in the first quarter including 6 from the free throw line. The Mounties would hang tight thanks to big shots from Ryan Norris who had 6 in the quarter, and UKC would take a 24-22 advantage into the second frame.
Mount Allison would ramp up the defense in the second quarter holding King's to just 13, and Ryan Norris continued his great play with 9 more points in the second giving him 15 heading into the half. Noah Lopez came off the bench for UKC and hit two important threes to keep his team within striking distance, as the Mounties went to the halftime break up 39-37.
Jonas Munroe started the second half on a tear for the Mounties with 11 points in the third quarter, while Tariq Armstrong had 6 for the Blue Devils in the frame including two tough finishes. Mount Allison would end the quarter ahead by a score of 62-56.
Eddie Surur was the closer for the Mounties in this one as he had 14 of the Mounties 18 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory for Mount Allison. His positional counterpart Tariq Armstrong had a strong fourth quarter for the Blue Devils finishing with 8 points in the frame but it would not be enough as Mount Allison came away with the victory by a score of 80-70. Tariq Armstrong led all scorers with 24 points, and Ryan Norris led the way for the Mounties with 19.
Mount Allison (9-8) play their final regular season game on Friday, February 23rd in Fredericton against the nationally ranked St. Thomas Tommies with tip-off set for 8:00pm. UKC (0-16) visit Crandall on the 23rd for their next game, tip-off in that one also set for 8:00pm.
Recap courtesy of Mounties Athletics