Axemen win second straight game over X-Men

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Despite a strong performance from Koat Thomas, the STFX X-Men couldn't complete a late push as the Acadia Axemen protected home court with a 92–83 victory Friday evening at Stu Aberdeen Court.

Thomas was unstoppable for STFX, pouring in a game-high 26 points on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting, while adding four rebounds and three steals in 39 minutes. The X-Men also received strong contributions from the bench, outscoring Acadia's reserves 30–19, and held a 19–11 edge in second-chance points.

But Acadia's balanced offence and timely execution proved too much. The Axemen shot 51.5% from the field, including a blistering 70.6% in the second quarter, to build an early cushion they never relinquished. Robbie Grant led the way with 26 points (10-of-14 FG), while Ryan Regault delivered a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds. Kyle Munro chipped in 11 points and nine boards.

After trailing 22–16 after the opening quarter, STFX found its footing in the second as Thomas scored in bunches inside. Nicolas Niare added 13 points and nine rebounds, and Owen Frayne knocked down four threes on his way to 20 points and seven assists. Still, Acadia answered every surge and took a 52–42 lead into halftime.

The X-Men tightened defensively in the third, trimming the deficit to six, but Acadia's efficiency at the free-throw line (17-of-23 overall) and calm late-game execution kept STFX at arm's length. Acadia's starters combined for 73 points.

STFX finished the night shooting 45.7%, but struggled from deep (5-of-21) and at the stripe (14-of-25). Turnovers also hurt, with Acadia converting 22 points off X-Men miscues.

DJ Jackson added 10 points and four assists for the X-Men, while forward Jeff Ngandu was perfect from the floor and added a steal and a block.

With the loss, STFX drops to 4–2 on the season, while Acadia improves to 5–1.

The X-Men will next see action at home on Friday, November 14^th when they host the Cape Breton Capers in an 8:00 pm game on Coach K Court.

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