Blues basketball split with Island teams
CapU Blues basketball began a five-game home stand this past weekend as they hosted the VIU Mariners on Friday night and the Camosun Chargers on Saturday afternoon.
CapU Blues basketball began a five-game home stand this past weekend as they hosted the VIU Mariners on Friday night and the Camosun Chargers on Saturday afternoon.
In Friday night's women's basketball game, two early fouls sent Mariners star forward Sienna Pollard to the bench halfway through the first quarter. With Pollard on the bench for the entire second quarter, the Blues maintained control of the lead and went into halftime with a 28-24 advantage. With Pollard back in the line-up in the second half along with strong play by Mariner guard Sara Simovic, the Blues weren't able to hang on and lost 57-45. Turnovers and offensive rebounds were the downfall for the Blues as they gave up eight offensive rebounds and turned the ball over 10 times in the second half alone. The Mariners outscored the Blues 33-17 in the second half and got 19 points off turnovers. Fifth-year guard Michelle Errico led the way for the Blues with 15 points.
On Saturday afternoon it was a different story as the Blues dominated most of the game and came away with a 65-45 victory over the Chargers. The Chargers struggled to keep the Blues off the boards leading to a 52-38 rebounding advantage for the Blues. Errico hit six threes for 20 points in the win. After Saturdays win, head coach Ramin Sadaghiani noted, "there are points in the game where we play great team basketball, but we have to learn to put 40 minutes together in order to compete in playoffs. We have to be the team that plays more consistent basketball."
On the men's side, the Blues had a stiff test in front of them as the Mariners are the only unbeaten team in the PACWEST at 16-0. The Mariners got off to a quick start and went into halftime with a 53-37 lead behind 22 points (5-5 3pt fg) from forward Josh Ross. The Mariners continued to cruise behind Ross in the second half to a 99-63 win. Second-year guard Martin Bogajev contributed 18 points in the loss.
After the disappointing loss Friday night, the Blues were able to come back from an eight-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter to secure the 76-73 victory over the Chargers. The Blues were outrebounded on the night 32-49, but received strong shooting performances by second-year guards Bogajev and Brendan Bailey, who finished with 29 points and 21 points respectively. Head coach Cassidy Kannemeyer was relieved to get the much-needed win and credited the entire team. The boys played inspired basketball," he said. "Defensively, we worked together and pressured Camosun into 18 turnovers."
The CapU Blues will be at home this week as they host the Quest Kermodes on Thursday, Feb. 18th (6/8 p.m.) and the Langara Falcons on Saturday, Feb. 20th (5/7 p.m.).
Submitted by: Capilano U Athletics & Recreation