Mariners Advance at Nationals
A comeback win on Thursday propels the PACWEST champions in the semis on Friday
It was a tale of two halves for the PACWEST champion VIU Mariners on Thursday afternoon against Calgary’s SAIT Trojans. Thanks to a strong second half the Mariners claimed a 102-84 victory.
During the first half the Mariners didn’t seem threating and trailed by 15 points at the half. However in the third quarter the offence started to roll and the Trojans had no answer as they Mariners outscored them 65-32.
Overall the Mariners shot 47.5% from the field and four players hit the 20 point plateau showing an incredible balance in scoring. All-Canadian Harry Fayle led the way with a game high 25 points while the trio of Cameron Gay, Tyus Barfoot and Landon Radliff each finished with 21. Barfoot also snatched 17 rebounds and Radliff was named Player of the Game.
The Mariners now move onto face the undefeated Vanier Cheetahs. They finished 16-0 during the regular season and won the RSEQ with a thrilling two point win over the Normades de Montmorency. On Thursday the Cheetahs beat the Ontario Conference wildcard Humber Hawks 102-94. Their biggest weapon is Karim Maine who dropped 25 points including five-three pointers in their quarterfinal win over the Hawks.
On Friday afternoon the Mariners face the Cheetahs at 5:30pm.