Lauren Grey
Blues Crew, Communications
It was a good day to be a Blue, as The Capilano Blues men's basketball team cruised to a commanding 89-63 victory over the Douglas College Royals in the provincial quarterfinals, earning a well-deserved spot in the semifinals. The Blues, who finished 3rd in the PACWEST standings this year, came out with a vengeance after a hot start, hitting shots from all over the court and going on an early 6-0 run that set the tone for the rest of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Capilano had established a strong 21-12 lead.
The energy in the gym was electric, with a huge crowd showing up to support the Blues. Fans wore blue face paint, hats, and masks, creating an intimidating atmosphere that had the Royals feeling the pressure from the opening whistle. The intense atmosphere undoubtedly played a role in the outcome, as the Royals struggled at the free-throw line, shooting just 32% while the fans were relentlessly shouting at them.
By halftime, the Blues had expanded their lead to 43-30, thanks in large part to their sharpshooting and defense. Douglas, who ranked 6th in the PACWEST this year with an 8-16 record, had no answer for the Blues' fast-paced offence and suffocating defence. The third quarter saw Capilano continue to pull away, with the Blues leading 67-48 heading into the final frame. Their offense was clicking on all cylinders, and their defense never let up, forcing Douglas into difficult shots and turnovers. Capilano's fans continued to energize the team, creating a hostile environment for the Royals as they struggled to gain any momentum.
Big performances tonight from Ajaypal Hayer, who finished the night with 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench and Arshya Ghasemi, who capped 15 points and five rebounds, shooting 50% from the 3-point line.
In the end, Capilano finished strong, sealing the 89-63 victory. It was a total team effort, with several players contributing to the lopsided win.
The Blues will now look to carry this momentum into their semifinal matchup tomorrow at 8:00 pm against the 2nd seed Camosun Chargers, where they’ll aim to punch their ticket in the Provincial finals.
Ajaypal Hayer was named Player of the Game for the Blues.
