The Crandall University Chargers secured a hard-fought 95-84 victory over the St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies in a thrilling matchup at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre on February 28, 2025. The game was a back-and-forth battle, but Crandall's strong second-half performance and balanced scoring proved to be the difference.

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams trading leads. Crandall took a narrow 20-18 advantage after the first quarter, thanks to Marc Hofer's 14-point outburst, including 2 three-pointers. STU responded in the second quarter, outscoring Crandall 29-22, led by Noah McCarthy's 23-point first-half performance, which included 4 three-pointers. STU took a 47-42 lead into halftime, but the game was far from over.

The third quarter saw Crandall regain control, outscoring STU 29-12. Luca Del Bosco and Colby McIntosh led the charge, with Del Bosco scoring 10 points in the quarter and McIntosh adding 7 points. Crandall's defense tightened, forcing STU into tough shots and limiting their scoring opportunities. By the end of the third quarter, Crandall had built a 71-59 lead.

In the fourth quarter, STU made a push to close the gap. However, Crandall's balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting kept them ahead. Devon Glenn and Jayden Lucas hit key shots down the stretch, and Crandall's team effort secured the victory.

Crandall's balanced attack was led by Luca Del Bosco, who finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, showcasing his all-around impact. Marc Hofer added 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Colby McIntosh contributed 13 points. Devon Glenn orchestrated the offense with 12 assists and added 12 points, including 3 three-pointers. Crandall's ball movement was exceptional, tallying 28 assists as a team.

For STU, Noah McCarthy was the standout performer, scoring 31 points on 8-of-22 shooting, including 4 three-pointers, and adding 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. Caleb Scholten provided a spark off the bench with 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Vincent Lyttleton added 13 points and 4 rebounds. Despite their efforts, STU struggled with turnovers (14) and fouls (23), which Crandall capitalized on.

Crandall's efficient shooting (44.4% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range) and strong free-throw shooting (16-of-23) were key factors in the win. STU shot 38.6% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc, but their inability to contain Crandall's offense in the second half proved costly.

With this victory, Crandall advances in the ACAA Championship, showcasing their depth and resilience. STU's fight, led by McCarthy and Scholten, kept them in the game, but they'll look towards next season after this game. Notably, Noah McCarthy, the ACAA's leading scorer, once again proved why he's one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, finishing with a game-high 31 points.