Men’s Basketball
2022 U SPORTS Men’s Final 8 Basketball Championship Consolation Semifinal 1: Carson powers Tigers to 90-77 win over Badgers
EDMONTON – Victoria guard Scott Kellum had eight fourth-quarter points, including six from the stripe, that proved vital in a close 77-68 Vikes victory over the McGill Redbirds in the consolation semifinal Saturday afternoon at the Saville Centre.
The U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian finished with a team-high 17 points for the Vikes. He was supported by fifth-year forward Matthew Ellis who contributed 15 and second-year guard Diego Maffia who added 14 in the victory.
RSEQ Player of the Year Jamal Mayali was an incredible bright spot for the losing side, scoring 31 points on a blistering 10 of 16 from the field. He shot 8 of 13 from beyond the arc and was a large reason why the Redbirds were able to compete in the second half.
While both teams shot the ball well, finishing north of 37 percent from beyond the arc, one of the biggest factors in the Vikes win was on the glass where they outrebounded McGill 42 to 27. It led to 18 second-chance points for Victoria to just five for the Redbirds.
The Vikes were able to build a 39-29 halftime and U SPORTS All-rookie Elias Ralph was perfect from the field for Victoria in the half, scoring 10 points.
The Redbirds were able to claw back into the game as a result of better shooting and a full-court press that generated chances off turnovers.
The Redbirds were able to strike the Vikes lead to just three with 3:30 remaining, thanks to the heroics of Mayali who had eight of his 31 in the fourth, but Maffia responded with two clutch threes to put the game on ice for the Vikes.
With the win, the Vikes advance to play the No. 4 Dalhousie Tigers tomorrow at 1 PM MST/3 PM EST in the Consolation Final.
Nike Top Performers
- Victoria Vikes: Scott Kellum
- McGill Redbirds: Jamal Mayali