Mariners Survive Coyotes

VIU Mariners 88
Okanagan Coyotes 80

The VIU Mariners are going back to the PACWEST gold medal game after getting by the Okanagan Coyotes by eight points in Friday’s semi-final.

“We survived,” said head coach Matt Kuzminski after his Mariners had a big first half lead that started to evaporate in the second half. The Mariners led 19-7 after one and 44-27 at halftime, but the Coyotes came out strong in the third quarter and chipped away at the lead led by Hunter Hughes and his team high 21 points. In the fourth quarter the Coyotes outscored the Mariners 28-20 behind hot shooting from Matt Lafontaine who connected on three-three pointers in the final frame, however it wasn’t enough as he scored 18.

The Mariners stuck with their game plan behind their point guard and Player of the Game Landon Radliff. He finished with a game high 22 points and seven rebounds. Tyus Barfoot was also solid with 14 points and 16 boards. Toni Odom provided a spark off the bench dropping in 15 and causing havoc defensively.

With the win the Mariners not only play for PACWEST gold, but have punched their ticket to the CCAA national championship. Tomorrow they will face the Douglas Royals or Camosun Chargers for gold, while the Coyotes will play for their first ever medal in the bronze medal game.

Players of the Game:
VIU Mariners – Landon Radliff
Okanagan Coyotes – Hunter Hughes