The 2000-01 X-Men basketball squad had a target on their backs for the entire season as the defending national champions. The team handled the pressure with ease going 33-3 over the year (31-1 in Canada) and capped off the season with a dramatic 83-76 overtime win in the national championship game. Fifth year senior Dennie Oliver was the player of the game scoring 25 points and hauling in 12 rebounds in the win over the Brandon Bobcats. Dennie could have won the game at the end of regulation with two free throws with no time on the clock and the game tied. However, he opted to extend the game to overtime!
The AUAA conference champions were led by All-Canadians Fred Perry and Randy Nohr, and reeled off an impressive - and a team record - 29 consecutive victories to end the season and earn the blue and white their third CIAU national championship in nine years. Over the course of the year, the X-Men dominated their competition with a 19.7 point average margin of victory.
Team members include: E.L. Adams, Mike Budreski, John Bustin, Jordan Croucher, Jonathan Daniel, Jason Kerswill, James Maksymiw, Randy Nohr, Dennie Oliver, Fred Perry, Paul Ricketts, Krzysztof Stach, Alex Stephen, Dion Williams, head coach Steve Konchalski, assistant coach Augy Jones, Assistant Coach Jeff Piers, student assistant Vince Marra, student therapist Jim Hardy, and student manager Kara Spencer.
2001 CIAU CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES
Championship Record: 3 wins and 0 losses
Quarterfinals: Defeated Laval 95-68
Semifinals: Defeated McMaster 78-76
Gold Medal Game: Defeated Brandon 83-76
2001 AWARDS
CIAU 1st Team All-Canadian: Fred Perry
CIAU Coach of the Year: Steve Konchalski
CIAU Tournament MVP: Randy Nohr
CIAU Tournament All-Star: Fred Perry
AUAA 1st Team All-Stars: Fred Perry, Randy Nohr
AUAA 2nd Team All-Star: Jordan Croucher
AUAA Coach of the Year: Steve Konchalski
AUAA Most Valuable Player: Fred Perry
2001 AUAA NOTES
AUAA Regular Season Record: 20-0
AUAA Regular Season Standing: 1st place Nelson Division, 40 points
AUAA Playoff Record: AUS champions
X-MEN BASKETBALL HISTORY PHOTO GALLERY
