The UNBSJ Seawolves dominated the UKC Blue Devils with a commanding 93-48 victory in a game that showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. The matchup, held on February 28, 2025, at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre, saw UNBSJ take control early and never look back, outscoring UKC in every quarter.
The first quarter set the tone for the game, with UNBSJ establishing a strong offensive rhythm. Ethan Szemerda and AJ Nash led the charge, combining for several key baskets to give their team a 21-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Szemerda finished the game with 18 points, including 2 three-pointers, while Nash added 15 points and 8 rebounds. UKC struggled to find their footing, with Kalon Macdonald-Wood being one of the bright spots, scoring 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting.
The second quarter saw UNBSJ extend their lead with a balanced attack. Ben Power and Jack Fury-Miller contributed with timely baskets, while Alex Ariola came off the bench to provide a significant boost. Ariola finished the game with 16 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. UKC's Kevin Lupetu and Kevahn Taylor tried to keep their team in the game, but UNBSJ's defense, anchored by Doyle Burton and Fury-Miller, limited UKC's scoring opportunities. By halftime, UNBSJ had built a 41-27 lead.
The third quarter was more of the same, as UNBSJ continued to dominate on both ends of the court. Ewan Wilson and Dov Kahn provided a spark off the bench, with Wilson hitting 3 three-pointers and Kahn adding 6 points. UKC's offense continued to struggle, shooting just 30.5% from the field and 15.4% from beyond the arc. UNBSJ's relentless defense forced 14 turnovers, which they converted into 18 points. By the end of the third quarter, UNBSJ had extended their lead to 66-39.
In the fourth quarter, UNBSJ put the game out of reach with a 27-point outburst.
Ryan Pollard and Lance Howlett contributed with key three-pointers, while Ariola continued to dominate the boards. UKC's Caleb Rennie and Kibrom Kefte tried to spark a late rally, but it was too little, too late. UNBSJ's efficient shooting (45.6% from the field) and perfect free-throw shooting (11-of-11) sealed the victory.
UNBSJ's balanced attack was led by Ethan Szemerda (18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), AJ Nash (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists), and Alex Ariola (16 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists). For UKC, Kalon Macdonald-Wood was the standout performer with 11 points, while Kevin Lupetu added 9 points and 5 rebounds. However, UKC struggled with their overall shooting and turnovers, which UNBSJ capitalized on throughout the game.
UNBSJ's ability to control the boards, with a 43-29 rebounding advantage, and their efficient ball movement (29 assists) were key factors in the win. UKC fought valiantly but couldn't overcome their shooting struggles and turnovers, which UNBSJ converted into crucial points.
With this victory, UNBSJ advances in the ACAA Championship, showcasing their depth and all-around dominance. UKC's resilience and fight, led by MacDonald-Wood and Lupetu, kept them in the game at times but ultimately wasnt enough. UNBSJ will face Holland in the next round