CIS Hoops.ca

The Citadins used their typical pressing, up-tempo style and balanced scoring to knock off American International University 85-61, an NCAA Division 2 school from Springfield MA this afternoon in Montreal. UQAM's consistent full court pressure and transition were able to wear down AIU, a team filled with athletes themselves, allowing the Citadins to pull away in the third quarter after leading by only 11 at 43-32 at the half. AIU had defeated Bishop's last night in Lennoxville and according to Citadins Head Coach Olga Hrycak "they may have worn down at the end" but still felt very good about the way her team played. Three players led the way for UQAM including 6'4" Mario Joseph, newcomer Olivier Boyard, from CEGEP “AA” Brebeuf and 6'5" Jules Diagne, each of whom had 14 points. Diagne, a key addition for the Citadins, finally has been able to solve some visa problems he had while moving to Canada from Senegal. The Citadins also welcomed back 6'2" Samuel Johnston, a key veteran sparkplug who is recovering from a serious back injury and Johnston "makes a big difference for our team" according to Hrycak. Johnston finished with 9 points in about 20 minutes this afternoon. UQAM played without usual starter 6'4" Kevin Boucher who sprained his thumb in a scrimmage on Friday but Boucher is expected back next weekend when the Citadins travel to Ottawa to participate in the House-Laughton tournament at Carleton.