Friday 31 December 2010

Saskatchewan captures 44th Wesmen Classic

Coming back from a five point halftime deficit, the No. 3 ranked Saskatchewan Huskies (16-3 Overall, 7-3 CW) captured their third all-time Wesmen Classic title (1981, 1990) tonight with an 80-60 victory over host Winnipeg (5-15 Overall, 1-9 CW). Jamelle Barrett had 22 points and 7 assists and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Rejean Chabot had 20 points and 6 boards, and was named tourney MVP. Michael Lieffers added eight points and 16 rebounds. Sask held WPG to 22.2% shooting and 21 points in the second half, while shooting 52.8% and scoring 45 points.

The energized Wesmen played the Huskies even for much of the first half and went on a late run led by a pair of NBA-range 3's by Lyndon Drayton-Barrow to enter halftime with momentum and poised for an upset in front of their large home crowd.  But Saskatchewan asserted themselves defensively and on the glass and got another strong performance from the veteran Chabot, a slasher who gets to the rim, using his body very well to absorb contact, and the athletic Barrett with his array of slick moves around the rim.  The Huskies look poised to again contest for the Canada West championship.

Wesmen Classic All-Tournament Team
Ryan Thomson (Lakehead); Jonas Huertas (Manitoba); Jamelle Barrett (Saskatchewan); Brayden Duff (Winnipeg); Nick Lother (Winnipeg); MVP - Rejean Chabot (Saskatchewan)

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