Axemen edged by Memorial in tight road loss

Acadia dropped an 85–82 decision to Memorial on Friday night at The Works Field House in a closely contested game. The Axemen forced nine steals and stayed within one possession late, but Memorial's advantage in the paint proved decisive.

Briawne Wilson led Acadia with 17 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field. Kyle Munro finished with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Ryan Regault added 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Malko Young chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds.

Memorial opened the game with a 5–0 run before Acadia responded. Donovan Reid scored on a layup, and Regault followed with a three-pointer to tie the game. The teams traded baskets through the opening half, with Acadia pulling ahead late. Young knocked down a three-pointer, and Aaron Simmons added a layup to give the Axemen a five-point lead with just over two minutes remaining. Memorial answered with baskets from Norm Burry and Bower Issacs, but two free throws from Simmons helped Acadia carry a 21–17 lead into the break.

Acadia extended its lead early in the second quarter when Regault finished a layup. Memorial responded quickly to stay close, but Wilson hit a three-pointer midway through the frame to push the lead to seven. Memorial closed the gap late, tying the game at 36–36, before Young hit a jumper at the buzzer to give Acadia a 43–40 halftime advantage.

The Axemen continued to hold a narrow lead after the break. Munro converted from the line, and Gabe Davignon added a three-pointer to keep Acadia in front. Memorial answered with steady inside scoring and free throws to keep the game within one possession. Wilson finished at the rim late in the quarter, and Acadia held a 67–61 edge heading into the final frame.

Memorial opened the fourth by cutting into the deficit. Simmons made a free throw early to make it 68–63, but the Sea-Hawks tied the game at 74–74 on a three-point play by Jodick Moudiandambu with 6:41 remaining. Josh Reimer then hit a three-pointer to put Memorial ahead for the first time in the quarter. Acadia stayed close down the stretch, with Munro knocking down two free throws in the final half minute, but Memorial held on for the 85–82 win.

Moudiandambu led Memorial with 24 points. Reimer added 12 points and five assists, while Burry recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Acadia will face Memorial again on Saturday at 8 p.m.