Bronze Medal Game: #2 Quest Kermodes vs. #4 Capilano Blues

In the men’s bronze medal game of the 2016 PACWEST Basketball Provincial Championships, the #2 Quest Kermodes battled the #4 Capilano Blues to see who would finish the season off with a medal and who would go home empty handed.

The Blues led throughout the first quarter behind PACWEST first team all-star Martin Bogajev who tallied 9 points and went into the second with a 27-18 advantage. In the second, it looked like the Blues were going to run away with it as they jumped out quickly to take a 37-20 lead; however the Kermodes were able to cut the deficit before the end of the half to trail 50-41. Both teams shot well in the first half with the Blues shooting 50% from the field and the Kermodes slightly better at 55.2%. PACWEST all-rookie team member Mike West led the Kermodes in scoring with 16 points in 14 minutes of play and Martin Bogajev scored 12 for the Blues in the half.

Blues’ Brendan Bailey got hot in the third as he hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Blues the lead 66-51 with under five minutes to go in the quarter. The Kermodes were able to narrow the Blues lead again right before the quarter break as they went into the final frame down 70-61.

Quest’s Mike West came out on a tear as he scored eight points in the first three minutes of the fourth, bringing the once 17 point deficit down to just five with seven minutes to go in the game. Blues forward Graddy Zubaidi found a weakness in the Kermodes defense and continued to drive and draw the foul repeatedly to keep the lead for the Blues. When it looked like it was over, Dallas Searles hit two huge three pointers including the game tying shot that sent the game into overtime, 82-82.

Bailey hit a long two and converted a beautiful left-handed drive to score five quick points and give the Blues a 86-82 lead to begin ovetime. Bogajev converted a tough drive and got fouled to give the Blues a 90-83 lead with two minutes left in overtime.  Theo VandenEkart hit a huge three and drove the lane to get fouled with under 40 seconds to play to give the Kermodes their first lead of the game 91-90. The Blues missed on the last chance heave as the Kermodes won 93-90.

Player of the game Mike West (Quest) who battled an ankle injury in the second half finished with an impressive 26 points and 8 rebounds. Other notable performers for the Kermodes included Dallas Searles (22 points), Noah DeRappard-Yuswack (14 points and 12 rebounds). The Blues were led by Bogajev (25 points), Zubaidi (19 points) and Bailey (19 points).

The Kermodes take a PACWEST Basketball Bronze medal and the Blues finish the season off in fourth place.  

 

Emily Wright,  CapU Sports Information Director