X-Men defeat Huskies 90-87 in Antigonish

ANTIGONISH, NS - STFX guard D.J. Jackson poured in a game-high 37 points, leading the U SPORTS #7 ranked STFX X-Men to a 90-87 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies Atlantic University Sport men's basketball action on Saturday night at Coach K Court in Antigonish, NS.

The X-Men mounted a fourth quarter comeback to seal the win as Gabriel Pizza Player of the Game D.J. Jackson was clutch down the stretch for the White and Blue.

Saint Mary's started hot, shooting 64.7% from the field in the first quarter, building an 11-point lead  at 34-23. However, the X-Men responded with a strong second quarter, closing the gap to 54-47 at halftime. 

The third quarter remained competitive, with STFX outscoring the visitors 24-20 to inch closer at 74-67. In the final quarter, STFX's clutch free-throw shooting and timely defense helped them outscore the Huskies 19-13, securing the narrow victory. 

Jackson finished with a game-high 37 points - a dominant performance leading his team to victory. Gatluak James netted 19 points and had 10 rebounds for a double-double performance.  

Jayrell Diggs led the Huskies with 24 points and added 6 assists and 3 steals. SMU Player of the Game Jasha'jaun Downey scored 23 points.

STFX won the boards battle 44-34, including 19 offensive rebounds. 

The victory came in front of a packed house of over 920 fans who witnessed the exciting finish as the X-Men defended home court with a statement win.

The X-Men win improves their record to a league-leading 13-3 on the season. STFX will be back on home court next weekend, hosting the UNB REDS (9-8) for a pair of games on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 on Coach K Court.

The Huskies loss drops their record to 6-11 on the campaign. Saint Mary's are back on home court on Wednesday, Feb. 12, hosting the Acadia Axewomen (6-11) at 8 p.m. at the Homburg Centre. GET TICKETS

Photos by Bryan Kennedy / STFX Athletics