X-Men win OT thriller over Tigers

The StFX X-Men (7-4) took over second place in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) men's basketball with a 76-72 overtime win over the Dalhousie Tigers (2-8) Friday night in Halifax.

The X-Men outscored the home team 9-5 in the extra session in what was an entertaining game with thrilling back-to-back action. The win was worth four points in the AUS standings.

StFX was up by four points (63-59) with under three minutes to play, but the Tigers fought back, led by fifth year forward Simon Marr who hit consecutive three-pointers down the stretch.

The game was locked at 67-67 with nine seconds left in regulation when Ritchie Kanza Mata missed a free throw that would have given the Tigers the edge.

Instead, the X-Men took advantage of the overtime period to squeak out the victory.

Will Donkoh, who led the blue and white with 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals, scored four points in overtime, while freshman Kevin Bercy added three points.

Bercy collected 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.

Fellow rookie Cameron Walker, who played 38 minutes in getting the starting assignment, chipped in 11 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots. He shot 5-for-8 from the field.

Davonte Provo and Shane Coupland contributed nine points apiece off the bench. Coupland also led the X-Men with eight rebounds.

Donkoh was named the Subway player of the game.

Simon Marr led the Tigers – and all scorers – with 24 points. He added seven rebounds and three steals.

Dalhousie player of the game Ritchie Kanza Mata collected 15 points, five steals and seven assists.

The Tigers lead the X-Men 17-12 after the first quarter and 31-30 at half-time. The X-Men regained a 51-49 edge after three quarters before heading into the close fourth quarter.

The X-Men were without the services of Rod Madera who was dismissed for conduct detrimental to the team.

The X-Men return to action next weekend, when they host the Memorial SeaHawks for a pair of games at Oland Centre.

Saturday, Jan. 25, the teams will tip-off at 8 p.m., while Sunday, Jan. 26, the start time is set for 1 p.m.

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