Blue Jags Roll Over Eagles to Advance to Provincial Quarters

                    Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags opened the BC AA Provincial Tournament in convincing fashion, rolling over the sixteenth seeded Mt. Elizabeth Eagles 95-28 Wednesday night to advance to the Quarter Finals.

 

The Blue Jags got off to a slow start at the offensive end in the first few minutes, but were able to feel their way into the game by the midway mark of the first quarter to take a 27-2 lead after one. Callum Montgomery exploded for 12 points in the opening period while Jake Wilmott recorded 4 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.

 

With the comfortable lead, the Blue Jags were able to rest their starters and allow the bench to get into the game in the second frame. Despite an improved shooting effort from the Eagles in the quarter, SMUS still held a sizeable 46-19 lead at half. David Lee led the way off the bench with 9 second quarter points for the Jags.

 

The Blue Jags expanded their lead in the third, heading to the final frame with a 73-21. SMUS coasted through the fourth to close out the 95-28 victory.

 

Montgomery finished as the high point man with 18 points and 4 rebounds, and was also awarded Player of the Game for his efforts. Meanwhile, Lee chipped in with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals and Wilmott was just one rebound shy of a double double with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. The Blue Jags also received contributions from Jason Scully (12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals), Graeme Hyde-Lay (9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) and Matty McColl (8 rebounds).

 

"The starting five executed extremely well." said Blue Jags Assistant Coach Reagan Daly after the game, "I thought that the reserve crew played hard particularly in the second half when they focused defensively."

 

With the win, the Blue Jags will have a meeting with GW Graham in the Quarters. The game will tip off at 5:15 PM at the Langley Events Centre.