SASKATOON,SK- The University of the Fraser Valley Men’s Basketball Team was defeated Thursday, February, 25, with a 96-85 decision to the University of Saskatchewan. The game marked the first contest of a best of three playoff series held this weekend in Saskatoon.
The Cascades came out strong in the first quarter on both ends of the court, forcing eight turnovers and finishing with a 10-0 run to complete the first ten minutes of play leading by a score of 28-18. In the second quarter, the solid play of the Cascades continued as they went into the half with a comfortable 53-40 lead.
After the break, Zeon Gray gave the Cascades their biggest lead of the game, scoring two of his eighteen points, to put his team up by eighteen as well. This lead seemed to spark the Huskies, as they went on an 11-0 run. The Cascades battled, trading points with the Huskies, but their opponents eventually forced difficult shots from the Cascades and were able to capitalize down the stretch as they outscored UFV 56-32 in the second half, finishing on top 96-85.
“We played well as a team in the first half, and played with the poise needed to earn a tough road win, but they played very well, and earned the win in the second half.” Stated head coach Barnaby Craddock. “Credit them for playing well down the stretch, we need to play with the same poise we had early in the game if we want to extend this series.”
Joel Friesen (pictured) led the Cascades in scoring, going 10-12 overall from the field with a total of 25 points. Zeon Gray and Sam Freeman also added double digit nights, Gray, finishing the night with 18, and Freeman with 15. The team shot 56.6% overall from the field.
The Cascades will look to top the Huskies in Game 2 tomorrow night in more playoff action. Tip-off is at 5pm pacific time.
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