Men's basketball season comes to an end

Source: UNBSJ Seawolves

The UNBSJ Seawolves men's basketball team made history by capturing their first-ever ACAA Championship in a stunning 77-64 victory over the previously undefeated MSVU Mystics on March 2, 2025, at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre. Entering the game with a 12-7 record, the Seawolves faced a daunting challenge against the Mystics, who were a perfect 18-0 and heavily favored to win the title. However, UNBSJ delivered a masterful performance, led by a historic triple-double from Aj Nash, to dethrone the Mystics and secure their place in the CCAA Nationals.

The game began with both teams trading baskets in a tightly contested first quarter. UNBSJ's Jack Fury-Miller set the tone early, scoring 8 points in the opening frame, while Ethan Szemerda and Ben Power added 4 and 5 points, respectively. MSVU's Jaydan Smith kept his team in the game with 7 points, and Isaac Matheson contributed 4 points. The Seawolves shot an impressive 56.3% from the field in the first quarter, including 50% from beyond the arc, to take a narrow 22-21 lead.

The second quarter saw UNBSJ extend their lead with another strong offensive showing. Aj Nash, who was already filling the stat sheet, took control of the game, scoring 6 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists in the quarter. Fury-Miller added another 5 points, while Lance Howlett provided a spark off the bench with a three-pointer. The Seawolves' defense also stepped up, holding MSVU to just 28% shooting from the field and 0% from three-point range. By halftime, UNBSJ had built a 45-35 lead, thanks to their efficient shooting and dominant rebounding.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm offensively. UNBSJ's Lance Howlett hit another three-pointer to keep the Seawolves ahead, while Nash continued to dominate, adding 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in the quarter. MSVU's Isaiah Cromwell-Wright tried to rally his team with 6 points, but UNBSJ's defense held firm, limiting the Mystics to just 15 points. The Seawolves maintained their double-digit lead, heading into the fourth quarter with a 60-50 advantage.

In the final frame, UNBSJ's composure and execution proved to be the difference. Ben Power and Jack Fury-Miller combined for 10 points in the quarter, while Ethan Szemerda dished out key assists to keep the offense flowing. Aj Nash capped off his historic performance with 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in the fourth, securing his triple-double. MSVU made a late push, with Jaydan Smith and Demeric Mercer scoring 6 and 4 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome UNBSJ's lead. The Seawolves' ability to convert at the free-throw line down the stretch sealed the victory, as they outscored MSVU 17-14 in the fourth quarter to secure the 77-64 win.

For UNBSJ, Aj Nash was the undisputed star of the game, finishing with a historic triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jack Fury-Miller led all scorers with 21 points and added 9 rebounds, while Ben Power contributed 17 points and 5 assists. Ethan Szemerda also played a crucial role, recording 10 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Lance Howlett provided a spark off the bench with 6 points, all from beyond the arc.

On the MSVU side, Jaydan Smith led the way with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Isaiah Cromwell-Wright added 14 points and 8 rebounds. Isaac Matheson contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds, but the Mystics struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5.6% (1-18) as a team. Their inability to capitalize on three-point opportunities and UNBSJ's dominance on the boards (35-30) proved to be decisive factors in the game.

Statistically, UNBSJ shot 47.5% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range, compared to MSVU's 33.3% from the field and 5.6% from beyond the arc. The Seawolves also outrebounded the Mystics 35-30 and dished out 28 assists compared to MSVU's 16. UNBSJ capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 8 points off offensive rebounds, while MSVU managed just 6.

With this victory, the UNBSJ Seawolves claimed their first-ever ACAA Championship, capping off a remarkable season and ending MSVU's perfect 18-0 run. Aj Nash's triple-double will be remembered as one of the greatest performances in program history, and the team's resilience and execution against a dominant opponent showcased their growth and determination. UNBSJ now turns their attention to the CCAA Nationals, where they will look to carry their championship momentum onto the national stage and compete for a national title. This win not only marks a historic moment for the program but also sets a new standard of excellence for UNBSJ basketball.