#8 Acadia Axemen 77 – #1 UBC Thunderbirds 96
The 2011 CIS Men’s Basketball Final 8 got off to an exciting start as the #1 UBC Thunderbirds knocked off the feisty #8 Acadia Axemen 96-77.
The Acadia Axemen who have experience in knocking off higher seeds gave the west coast Thunderbirds a run for their money. The Axemen hung around for three-quarters behind strong performances from Owen Klassen and Anthony Sears but ultimately, the deeper and more talented UBC Thunderbirds got their patented team effort and claimed the first of four spots in the 2011 CIS National Semi-finals.
Josh Whyte was rock solid again especially in the final quarter where UBC broke open the game by outscoring the Axemen 27-15.
“I think it was good for us to get the first quarter jitters out. We expected this from Acadia, its Nationals the best of the best” said Josh after his near triple-double of 19 points 7 rebounds and 6 assists and being named player of the game.
Four players scored in double digits for the UBC Thunderbirds lead by Doug Plumb 20 points & 7 rebounds.
Top Performers
Owen Klassen 21 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast, 2 Stl
Anthony Sears 19 Pts, 2 Reb 2 Ast
Alex McLaughlin 16 Pts, 2 Reb, 1 Astl
Justin Boutlier 8 Pts, 3 Ast
UBC Thunderbirds
Doug Plumb 20 Pts, 7 Ast, 1 Blk 2 Stl
Josh Whyte 19 Pts, 7 Reb, 6 Ast
Brent Malish 17 Pts, 7 Reb 1 Blk
Kamar Burke 13 Pts, 8 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Blkl
Game Notes
Thundebirds out-rebounded the Axemen 50-28 and shot 62% for the game.
Up Next
The Thunderbird await the winner of Lakehead and Trinity Western Spartans.
