Mystics triumph in Home Opener in close battle with Chargers
Jaydan Smith and Isaac Matheson led the Mystics in scoring with 19 and 18 points respectively in the win.
The defending ACAA Men's Champions Mount Saint Vincent Mystics took to the floor looking to defend their crown as the visiting Crandall Chargers came to town.
The Mystics were victorious in their home opener, defeating the Chargers 83-78. Leading the offense for the Mystics was fifth-year senior Jaydan Smith. The Beechville, NS native finished the game with a team-high 19 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Also in double digit scoring for the Mystics offense were Isaac Matheson, Adam Callaghan and Jaxon Smith. Respectively finishing with 18, 17 and 16 points each.
The Chargers offense were led by Marc Hofer, who finished with a game-high 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Luca Del Bosco finished the game with a near double double, tallying 13 points and 9 rebounds. Ethan Culberson and Colby McIntosh chipped in with double digit scoring with 13 and 12 points respectively.
Both teams came out ready to start their seasons with an intense start to the game. The Mystics held a slight advantage with an 18-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Chargers were able to get to the free throw line six times, making five of their opportunities. The Mystics controlled the pace of the first quarter with their sharp shooting from the perimeter finishing the quarter 8-22 (36.4%).
Crandall found their rhythm from the perimeter to start the second quarter. Midway through the quarter, they connected from deep on three consecutive trips, capped off with a triple from Ethan Culberson. The Mystics remained within striking distance thanks to triples from Adam Callaghan and Isaac Matheson. Mystics closed the quarter with back to back threes from brothers Jaxon and Jaydan Smith to close the half leading 47-41.
The Mystics continued to connect from range hitting adding three more from range finishing the quarter with a tally of 11 made 3pt attempts. The Chargers continued to battle the Mystics basket after basket, but the Mystics swarming defence allowed for them to extend their lead to 74-62.
Crandall started the fourth quarter strong in their attempt to close the gap against the Mystics, hitting many three point attempts throughout the quarter. They were only able to close the gap as close as four points but the Mystics offense was able to pull away from the Chargers to finish the game, winning the matchup by five points.
The Mystics return to the court tomorrow afternoon as they take on the Mount Allison Mounties. Crandall will return to the court next Saturday when they host the St. Thomas Tommies.