In a showdown at the St. Thomas University home opener games against the University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ) Seawolves, both the women’s and men’s basketball teams secured convincing victories.
Women’s game: STU 69 – UNBSJ 35
The opening quarter saw a tight 17-14 score, with the Seawolves in the lead, followed by a gripping second quarter, where the Tommies surged, scoring 17 points while holding the Seawolves scoreless. Paige Leblanc sank two crucial three-pointers, securing the Tommies’ lead.
As the game progressed, the third quarter witnessed an all-around effort, with Katie Vidito and Celine Sterckel each contributing six points, further extending the Tommies’ score to 52-28.
In the final quarter, rookie Reegan Kerr sealed the victory with a triumphant three-point jump shot, securing the team’s 69-35 win.
First-year Paige Leblanc emerged as one of the standout players, contributing a formidable 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, to the team’s victory.
“We’re just gonna keep working hard, in every game that we play,” said Leblanc.
She believes their work towards building a solid defense is a key factor for the team’s success.
“We think our defense is gonna win our games,” said Leblanc. “Our offense will come with our defense.”
As a rookie, Leblanc feels that the team is extremely supportive.
“They help make me a better player.”
Men’s game: STU 99 – UNBSJ 76
The STU men’s basketball team continued the evening’s momentum, securing a dominant victory over the UNBSJ Seawolves.
Geoffrey Lavoie, who was recognized as the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association’s (ACAA) best player of 2022-23, once again showcased his talent by contributing a remarkable 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Lavoie’s efforts set him as the Tommies’ Athlete of the Week.
“It always feels good to be recognized for your hard work and performance,” he said.
The game opened with a competitive first quarter, seeing the Seawolves take a narrow 24-20 lead. Lavoie led the charge for the Tommies, contributing seven points to the quarter.
The second quarter remained fiercely contested, with the Seawolves maintaining a slight 49-47 lead, sealed by a critical three-point jump shot in the dying seconds of the first half.
The Tommies showed a remarkable turnaround in the third quarter, as they surged ahead with 28 points in the frame. Vincent Lyttleton had a notable seven-point contribution, ending the quarter at 75-68 in favour of the Tommies.
The final quarter began with a statement three-point jump shot by Lavoie, setting the tone for the team. Noah McCarthy quickly followed suit, sinking two three-pointers within the first two minutes. The Tommies finally took the victory with a final score of 99-76.
“A lot of guys are getting a lot of opportunity to play, which other teams aren’t doing,” said Lavoie. “So we have more energy overall, as a team, we can play faster, we can play harder for longer.”
Lavoie has high expectations for the team to get better with each game and win in playoffs this year.
“The only thing I haven’t done yet is win, I haven’t won a championship yet. So that’s the one thing I care about the most at this point,” he said.
Both Tommies basketball squads will be back on home court to face the Mount Allison University Mounties at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym on Nov. 11.
