Mariners Narrowly Defeat Blues 64-59

Photo: Evan Meyer
Photo: Evan Meyer

Game Leaders

VIU
Pts: Kaeleb Johnson - 13
Reb: Ryan Bastian - 9
Ast: Kai Leighton - 5
Capilano
Pts: Ahmad Athman - 17
Reb: 3 Players (#5, #10, #21) - 7
Ast: 2 Players (#10, #12) - 4

Team Stats

VIU
Capilano

Field Goals

(21-62)
(24-69)

Field Goal %

33.9%
34.8%

Rebounds

33
48

Assists

13
13

Turnovers

22
20

Pts off Turnovers

5
27

2nd Chance Pts

10
9

Pts in the Paint

2
2

Fastbreak Pts

0
0

Bench Pts

25
52
full stats
Posted: Nov 23, 2024

Chris Raeside
Sport Information Event Management, Media & Sport Development Officer

Mariners Narrowly Defeat Blues 64-59 in Hard-Fought Matchup

The Capilano University Blues came up just short against the Vancouver Island University Mariners, falling 64-59 in a gritty matchup on Friday evening. Despite a strong rebounding performance and a valiant effort from the bench, the Blues couldn't overcome the Mariners' balanced attack and timely three-point shooting.

The game saw the Mariners capitalize on their perimeter efficiency, knocking down 9 of 27 three-point attempts compared to just 3 of 17 for the Blues. Free throws also played a pivotal role, as VIU converted 86.7% of their attempts from the charity stripe, while Capilano struggled at 57.1%.

Blues Struggle to Finish Strong

The Blues found themselves in an early hole but fought back to keep the game close. Their reserves stepped up in a big way, outscoring the Mariners’ bench 52-25. Ahmad Athman led the charge with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, showcasing his offensive prowess. Kash Lang contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds, while David Featherston Jr. chipped in with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

However, turnovers proved costly for Capilano. The Blues committed 20 turnovers, leading to 27 points for the Mariners. Despite dominating the boards with 48 rebounds to VIU's 33, including 16 offensive boards, they couldn’t fully capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Key Moments

Capilano’s largest lead was a mere 1 point, achieved late in the first quarter. The Mariners responded with a dominant stretch in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to as much as 16 points at the 7:11 mark. The Blues mounted a late comeback, narrowing the deficit, but the Mariners’ ability to hit clutch free throws sealed the victory.

Defensively, the Blues showed flashes of brilliance, with Damein Coleman and Lang combining for 7 steals. Despite their defensive efforts, the Mariners’ shooting from beyond the arc and composure in the clutch proved decisive.

Looking Ahead

The loss drops the Blues to a tough start in the series, but they’ll have an opportunity for redemption tomorrow at 3:00 PM in a rematch against the Mariners. Head coach Jason Price will undoubtedly look to tighten up the team’s perimeter defence and reduce turnovers as they prepare for another battle.

With bench production proving a bright spot and players like Athman and Featherston Jr. stepping up, the Blues will aim to carry their energy into tomorrow's game and split the series against their rivals.