Men's Gold Medal Preview

The final game of the PACWEST championship will see the top ranked VIU Mariners play the third seeded Capilano Blues in the men’s gold medal game with the winner moving onto the CCAA national championship.

The Mariners dominated the Douglas College Royals in last night’s semi-final 86-71.  They shot an incredible 50% from behind the arch and 48% from the field.   Usama Zaid was named the player of the game with 33 points, including six-three pointers and seven rebounds.  Jalen Schlegel was also terrific with 14 points and nine rebounds.

The Blues got to the gold medal game with a pair of wins over the Camosun Chargers and Langara Falcons.  Hassan Phills has led the Blues and has really been the spark plug on both sides of the ball.  He’s scored 38 points and has caused headaches for the oppositions top players.  Greet Gill has had a solid tournament and was named the player of the game in yesterday’s upset win over the Falcons in the semi-final. Overall he has 26 points and 17 rebounds.  They are shooting 35% from the field in this tournament.

During the regular campaign the Mariners and Blues played three times with the Mariners winning twice including a 50 point victory at Capilano.  The Mariner shot 41% in the seasonal series and were lead by Zaid’s 22.6 points and Bryson Cox who contributed 20.6 a game.  The Blues countered shooting 33% and Phills averaged 11.3 a game.

The Mariners are making their ninth straight appearance in the PACWEST gold medal game.  Since 2009 they are 3-5, but have won the last two.  The Blues are making their first appearance in the big dance since 2004.

WATCH HERE

Last playoff meeting: Friday March 4, 2016 – Mariners 87-69

Head to Head during 2016-2017 – Mariners 2 – Blues 1

#1 VIU Mariners

PACWEST Record – 16-2
Home 8-1, Road 8-1
Points Per Game – 86.8
Field Goal % - 42.6%

Leader: Bryson Cox: A PACWEST Second Team All-Star.  A big man that can shoot inside and outside.  He shot 42.9% from the field and 35% from the behind the arch while averaging 16.6 points a game.

#3 Capilano Blues

PACWEST Record: 10-8
Home 5-2, Road 5-6
Points Per Game: 78.8
Field Goal%: 39.5%

Leader: Greet Gill: A PACWEST First Team All-Star.  He was the Blues “triple crown” winner, leading the club in scoring with 17.3 points a game, rebounding with 9.8 a game and assists with three a game.