Stewart scores 20 in loss to X-Men

ANTIGONISH, N.S. — St. Francis Xavier University edged Dalhousie University 75-74 in a tightly contested matchup on Wednesday.

Dalhousie opened the first quarter with defensive fortitude, securing rebounds to counter the X-Men's initial offensive efforts. Spencer Riar contributed with a jumper at 5:55, cutting into the early deficit. Despite multiple turnovers, Dalhousie managed to keep the contest competitive with contributions from Ukiah Best and Isaiah Graham-Roache, who added a late jumper at the 40-second mark to narrow the gap.

The X-Men capitalized on Dalhousie's turnovers, building momentum with a notable scoring drive, including a three-pointer by Matt Pennell at the 20-second mark. Dalhousie ended the quarter trailing, as Lydell Husbands-Browne successfully converted a free throw to bring the score to 16-7 in favor of the X-Men.

Dalhousie made a strong push in the second quarter, cutting into the X-Men's lead with a series of key plays. Riley Stewart led a scoring surge with consecutive baskets, trimming the deficit with a jumper and an ensuing free throw. Caleb Stewart and Ukiah Best added pivotal three-pointers during a stretch that saw Dalhousie score 23 points in the quarter.

Despite the X-Men extending their lead to 16 points early in the quarter, Dalhousie's defense responded with crucial stops, including a block by Riar and multiple defensive rebounds. Graham-Roache closed the quarter with a jumper, narrowing the gap to three points. The second quarter ended with the X-Men leading 33-30.

The third quarter saw Dalhousie making a significant push, with Husbands-Browne contributing key defensive plays, including a block and a steal. Dalhousie capitalized on turnovers, with Husbands-Browne and Riley Stewart each hitting crucial jumpers to keep the score competitive. A notable tie at 49-49 came after Best sank a three-pointer, demonstrating Dalhousie's resilience in maintaining parity.

The X-Men responded with timely three-pointers from Pennell and Owen Frayne, briefly taking the lead. However, Dalhousie's persistence was evident as Caleb Stewart hit a jumper to narrow the gap. The quarter concluded with both teams locked at 22 points each for the quarter, keeping the overall score close.

Dalhousie began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Austin Thomson's block and subsequent defensive rebound. Caleb Stewart's three-pointer midway through the quarter was crucial in keeping the game within reach, narrowing the gap to just two points. Despite trailing by an eight-point margin earlier, Dalhousie rallied with key offensive plays, including back-to-back three-pointers from Riley Stewart, leveling the score at 69-69.

A tight finish ensued, with the X-Men momentarily pulling ahead. Husbands-Browne's clutch three-pointer in the final seconds brought Dalhousie within one point. However, time expired with a narrow 75-74 loss for Dalhousie, concluding a closely contested quarter.

Riley Stewart led with 20 points, converting 8 of 14 field goals and grabbing seven rebounds. Riar added 16 points and secured eight rebounds, while also recording three steals. Husbands-Browne contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, alongside two steals. Graham-Roache chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds, rounding out the team's effort.

Dalhousie stands at 1-1 overall. The X-Men maintain a perfect record of 2-0. The Tigers host a re-match on Saturday at Dalplex.