Brent Mutis, CapU Sport Information & Compliance Officer

It was not the storybook ending Brenden Bailey and Martin Bogajev would have wanted to conclude their college basketball careers but the Capilano Blues pair finished as strong as they could at the CCAA nationals in a 107-102 defeat to the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners Sunday morning in the bronze medal semifinal.

Bogajev dropped 31 points, including seven threes, while Bailey went for 16 points in 33 minutes of floor time. The Blues graduating senior players also got to go out facing a familiar foe in VIU, the same team that edged them 81-78 in the PACWEST provincial final March 5.

In the first half Sunday, Bogajev hit on four from downtown and went into the break with 16 points while Bailey would save his best for last. VIU was led early by the backcourt duo of Tori Odom and Cameron Gay who combined for 15 in the first quarter with forwards Akoi Yuot - the CCAA Player of the Year - and Richard Henderson pairing up for 19 in the second quarter.

Coming out of the halftime break, as they often did this season, the Blues played their best basketball of the day. Bailey led the charge with 11 points, helping CapU to an 80-74 lead going to the final frame. In the fourth, Blues forward Sam Bailey picked up his fourth and fifth fouls and was forced to watch the remainder of the game from the bench. Without a true forward on the floor, the Blues had a hard time contending with Henderson and Yuot. VIU out-rebounded the Blues in the final frame and outscored them 33-22 to come back and earn a spot in the bronze medal game.

Capilano was stayed right with the Mariners down to the final buzzer; Bogajev's final three of the game made it 100-100 with 47 seconds to go but a three from Cameron Gay and a dunk by Henderson put VIU just out of reach.

Bogajev was named player of the game for the Blues while Tyrone Asenoguan, who finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals, was named to the tournament all-star team.

CJ Campbell posted a double-double Sunday with 10 points and 11 rebounds while picking up five assists. Marko Cosic came of the bench to play 27 minutes and provided 11 points and five rebounds.

A win Sunday morning would have meant a shot at a bronze medal Sunday evening as the tournament was structured such that a team losing its first game could still end up on the podium.