VIU Mariners Are National Champs

An incredible season by the VIU Mariners ends with a national gold medal after an exciting 85-82 victory over the Sheridan Bruins on Saturday night.

The PACWEST champs jumped out to a nine point advantage after the first quarter leading 29-20. The Bruins cut the lead to seven at the half before turning the tables in the third frame outscoring the Mariners 25-12 taking the lead 63-57 entering the fourth quarter.

The Mariners shooters got hot in the fourth outscoring the Bruins 28-19 to capture the national title.

Offensively Harry Fayle was terrific dropping in 25 points, hitting four-three pointers and grabbed seven boards on route to his Player of the Game award. He hit two free throws in the late stages of the game to ice it for the Mariners. Landon Radliff was again a major factor with 17 points, hitting four-three pointers and coming up with four steals and six assists. Cameron Gay chipped in with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists.

In his final collegiate game Jerod Dorby tallied 11 points, nine rebounds and had a massive block with time ticking away in the fourth quarter. It was the only block by the Mariners the entire game.

This is the third time the Mariners have won the CCAA gold medal. They won in 2013 beating the Holland Hurricanes and in 1994 getting past the Douglas Royals. They are the first PACWEST team to win the national crown since the Langara Falcons won in 2014.

Following the game on Saturday Fayle and Gay were named to the CCAA All-Star Team and Radliff was named tournament MVP.