Regault records double-double as Acadia falls to UPEI

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Acadia dropped a tight 70–67 decision to UPEI on Friday night at Stu Aberdeen Court. The Axemen led by five early but could not hold the advantage as the Panthers outscored them through the middle stretches to take control.

Ryan Regault led Acadia with 17 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. Kyle Munro added 13 points and six assists. Gabe Davignon scored 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while Robbie Grant finished with nine points and five boards.

Acadia opened the game with a quick layup from Donovan Reid, assisted by Munro. UPEI responded immediately, and the teams traded baskets until Acadia created separation late in the period. Grant scored repeatedly inside, including a layup in the final minute to give the Axemen a 19–14 lead. A last-second layup by Cameron Brown brought UPEI within one at 19–18 after the opening frame.

UPEI swung momentum in the second, outscoring Acadia 23–15. Aleer Aleer Leek gave the Panthers their first lead at 20–19, and the teams exchanged small runs through the quarter. UPEI's Kyree Thompson hit a key three-pointer and followed with a mid-range jumper to extend the lead to seven. Davignon scored late to keep Acadia close, but UPEI held a 41–33 lead at halftime.

The Panthers continued to control the game in the third, maintaining an advantage behind steady scoring from Nicolas Gonzalez Longarela and Sam Chisholm. Davignon hit a three at 8:43 to close the gap, but UPEI responded immediately and pushed the lead back to double digits. A late layup by Briawne Wilson cut the deficit slightly, yet UPEI carried a 60–52 lead into the final quarter.

Acadia mounted a strong push in the fourth. Regault fueled the run with defensive rebounds and timely finishes, trimming the deficit to 63–56. Thompson steadied UPEI with a jumper and a free throw, but Acadia fought back again. Munro's two free throws at 4:13 brought the Axemen within one at 63–62. Regault later hit a three-pointer with 32 seconds left to make it 68–66, but UPEI preserved its lead. Gonzalez Longarela hit a late free throw in the final second to seal the 70–67 Panthers win.

Thompson led all scorers with 29 points and added three steals. Chisholm contributed 15 points and two steals. Hugo Bermejo finished with seven points, four assists and four steals, while Tarrence Booker added five assists and seven rebounds.

Up next: Acadia is back home Friday at 8 p.m. on Stu Aberdeen Court to face Cape Breton.