Semi-final 2: #1 VIU Mariners vs. #4 Capilano Blues

In the second men’s semi-final of the 2016 PACWEST Basketball Provincial Championships, the undefeated VIU Mariners took on the #4 Capilano Blues to determine who would meet the Camosun Chargers in tomorrow’s gold medal match.

The Mariners jumped out with a 10-0 run behind 9 points by PACWEST second team all-star John Thompson to take a 19-11 lead after the first quarter of play. Mariners’ Josh Ross proved why he was named PACWEST Player of the Year as he was able to score at will and lead the Mariners to a 41-30 halftime lead. In the first half the Mariners outrebounded the Blues 31-15.

The Blues chipped away at the lead throughout the third quarter, as they were able to score from deep and get to the rim against an aggressive Mariners defense. It wasn’t until the last two minutes of the quarter that the Mariners went another run to head into the fourth with a 63-50 lead.  

The Mariners took off in the final frame and guaranteed themselves a berth to the CCAA national championships with the dominating 87-69 win. VIU’s Jason Fortin was name player of the game for the Mariners as he finished with 23 points and 5 rebounds; Ross was also very impressive in the win (16 points and 19 rebounds). Notable performers for Blues were Brendan Bailey (21 points) and Chris Loreth (15 points and 7 rebounds). 

The #1 VIU Mariners move on to play the #6 Camosun Chargers in the gold medal match tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. and the #4 Capilano Blues will face the #2 Quest Kermodes in the bronze medal game at 3 p.m. 

Emily Wright,  CapU Sports Information Director