Blue Jags Stumble in Second Quarter, Fall to Totems in Exhibition

                   Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

Two days after the latest BC AA Rankings were released with the SMUS Blue Jags moving up to the number one spot, the Jags put forward a performance that did not live up to the standard. SMUS struggled mightily at the defensive end Thursday night, surrendering a season high 81 points in the loss to the Semiahmoo Totems in exhibition play.

 

Both teams got off to fast offensive starts, as the Totems jumped out to a 21-19 lead after a high scoring opening quarter. Jason Scully dropped in 8 points and Callum Montgomery added 6 points and 3 steals in the first frame.

 

The two teams traded three-point bombs to start the second quarter, as the game maintained its offensive focus. The Totems created some separation midway through the period, using an 8-0 run to take a 45-35 advantage into the half. Max Pollen had a strong second quarter, scoring 8 points in frame to go along with 3 assists.

 

The Totems were able to maintain their cushion in the third, as SMUS came as close as 6 points before Semiahmoo extended their lead to 14 heading to the final frame. The Totems continued to add to their lead to start the fourth and held it the rest of the way to finish off the 81-63 victory.

 

Scully led the Blue Jags attack on the night with a team high 17 points and 6 rebounds. Meanwhile, Montgomery finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 9 steals and Graeme Hyde-Lay recorded 12 points and 5 helpers. It was a tough night on the boards for the Jags who were outrebounded 50-28 by a bigger Totems squad, however Matty McColl showed great hustle securing 8 rebounds to lead the team.

 

“Right now we're not doing our job defensively.” said Blue Jags Assistant Coach Jeff Rud after the game, “It’s a SMUS basketball staple.”

 

“We have to play better defence because we aren’t going to score with some of the top teams in the province.”

 

Next up for the Blue Jags is another exhibition date with a team from the lower mainland in HJ Cambie Secondary School. Many of the Jags players will be held out for rest, but it is a great opportunity for the Blue Jags bench to get some quality minutes. The game time is set for 2:30 PM on Friday afternoon at SMUS.