Date: January 26, 2024
Blues Department Staff
Bouncing back after a disappointing loss in the weekend opener, the Capilano Blues had one of their best offensive games of the season in a 94-67 win over the visiting Douglas College Royals.
The teams traded buckets in the early going but CapU pulled away after threes from Arshya Ghasemi and Suraj Gahir to take a nine-point lead to the second quarter. CapU maintained that cushion to halftime but exploded out of the break, building a 26-point lead on the strength of three triples from Josh Dhillon and a buzzer-beating three from Ahmad Athman.
Capilano got six threes on the night from Dhillon and five from Gahir. As a team, they shot 48 per cent from the field and 42 per cent from three. Zach Klim was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free throw line.
In Friday's opener, Kash Lang went for a team- and season-high 31 points but it wasn't enough as the Blues ultimately fell short in a 70-64 defeat.
First Quarter (16-16): The opening quarter set the tone for a competitive battle, with both teams matching each other basket for basket. Capilano's players displayed poise and confidence including Lang who dropped 11 of their 16 points in the quarter.
Second Quarter (20-23): In the second quarter, Capilano University maintained its intensity, keeping pace with Douglas College's offence. The team's cohesive play and strategic execution kept them within striking distance, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
Third Quarter (8-14): While facing a deficit in the third quarter, the Blues continued to battle and showcased their resilience. Despite it being a challenging period, the team remained focused and determined to mount a comeback.
Fourth Quarter (20-17): In the final quarter, Capilano University staged a remarkable comeback effort, rallying and igniting a surge of energy as they outscored Douglas in the quarter. The team's tenacity and resolve were on full display as they battled fiercely until the final buzzer, refusing to concede defeat without a fight.
Key Statistics and Highlights:
- Capilano University showcased better accuracy in three-point shooting (24.0% compared to Douglas' 16.7%) and free throws (66.7% compared to Douglas' 61.1%).
- Kash Lang led Capilano with an impressive 31-point performance, displaying scoring prowess and leadership.
- Josh Dhillon orchestrated the offence with finesse, recording 6 assists and making 4 steals.
- Despite the loss, Capilano's players displayed resilience and determination, refusing to back down until the final buzzer.
While the outcome may not have favoured the Blues, their determination throughout the game serves as a testament to their resilience.
Capilano has a bye week next week and returns to action against the Okanagan College Coyotes on Feb. 9 and 10 with respective start times at 8 p.m. and 3 p.m.
MBB | Final score 70-64 as @RoyalsAthletics defeat the Blues for a 2-0 night here at the Centre for Sport and Wellness.
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) January 27, 2024
Leading the way are Lang (31 PTS, 8 REB), Ghasemi (12 PTS, 3 REB) and Gahir (10 REB, 4 PTS).
Rematch tomorrow at 6 pm.#GoBlues #NorthVan #BleedBlue #CapU pic.twitter.com/hTeg4P5Gzo
MBB | Final score 94-67 as the Blues defeat @RoyalsAthletics earning a weekend split.
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) January 28, 2024
Leading the way are Dhillon (22 PTS, 3 AST), Gahir (19 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST) and Klim (19 PTS, 7 REB).#GoBlues #NorthVan #BleedBlue #CapU pic.twitter.com/OrHhKmcLhe
