REDS Rally Late, Edge Capers

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS staged a late fourth quarter rally to salvage a 76-75 victory over the Cape Breton Capers in Atlantic University Sport men's basketball action, Saturday at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.

The visiting Capers led 73-68 with under two minutes to play.

A Marcus Barnes lay-in with 1:17 on the clock made the score 73-70.

With 22.1 seconds remaining the Capers were assessed an unsportsmanlike foul.

Eden Otshudi sunk both free throws to close the gap to a single point at 73-72 and on the ensuing possession, Conner Landell tipped in Brandon Laryea's lay-in attempt to put the REDS up 74-73.

Another CBU foul sent Laryea to the line with just four seconds on the clock and he sunk both free throws to make it a 76-73 game.

The Capers did manage to score the game's last basket, but it was only a two and the REDS were able to hold on for the win.

Laryea finished the game with a dozen points and three steals to earn Tim Horton's Player of the Game honours.

Landell recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Barnes dropped 17 points and Otshudi finished the day with 15 points and four assists.

Aaron Cunningham led all scorers with 25 points and five assists for the Capers while Stefan Anisko dropped 23 points.

With the win, the REDS improve to 8-5. UNB is third in the conference standings, just two points back of co-leaders Acadia and STFX.

Cape Breton is 6-6 and sit fourth in the standings, just four points back of the REDS.

UNB takes to the road for their next action. They'll be in Charlottetown on Friday to take on the UPEI Panthers. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00pm.

The Capers return home to host the Dalhousie Tigers on Saturday.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB REDS