Strong fourth quarter lifts X-Men over REDS

Antigonish, NS – In a Valentine's Day clash, the STFX X-Men played to a high-energy 90-80 win over the UNB REDS on Coach K Court.

UNB started strong, taking a 24-20 lead after the first quarter. However, StFX found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the REDS 26-22 to enter halftime with a narrow 46-44 advantage.

In the second half, the X-Men maintained their defensive intensity and offensive efficiency, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they pulled away to secure the win. After holding a two-point lead, 68-66 after three, the Blue and White outpaced the REDS 22-14 in the final quarter.

Gabriel Pizza Player of the Game DJ Jackson scored a game-high 31 points for the X-Men, while adding 8 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal - a dominant all-around performance.

Keyonte Beals netted 14 points for X, while Koat Thomas put up double-double figures with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

StFX shot 90% from the free-throw line and scored 15 points off turnovers.

Marcus Barnes led the REDS with 23 points on the night, earning player of the game honours for his squad. He also had 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Conner Landell scored15 points for UNB and dominated the boards with 15 rebounds. Brandon Laryea contributed 13 points and 9 rebounds.

UNB struggled in the second half, shooting just 31.3% in the fourth quarter.

STFX's ability to capitalize on turnovers proved decisive. They converted 6 UNB turnovers into 15 points, while UNB managed only 5 points off turnovers. Additionally, DJ Jackson's relentless scoring kept the X-Men in control down the stretch.

The same two teams will be back in action on Coach K Court on Saturday, tipping off at 4:00 pm in an afternoon match-up.

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