Campbell's Hot Start Lifts Tommies Past Blue Devils

Fredericton, NB - Tre Campbell (Scarborough, ON) had a hot start for the St. Thomas University Tommies, knocking down five 3-pointers in the first quarter, giving the Tommies all the momentum they needed in a 110-66 win over the University of King's College at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym. Campbell finished with a game high 20 points, going 6-11 from downtown. Geoffrey Lavoie (Ottawa, ON) added 19 points and six rebounds, while Evan Valanne (Miramichi, NB) posted a double-double off the bench with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Corson O'Rourke led UKC with his own double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Tommies' head coach John Hickey said his team started with better energy than what they have in recent games.

"We were good defensively which allows us to get out and play in transition," he said. "We moved the ball well and got some good shots." 

The Tommies had 32 points off turnovers, forcing the Blue Devils to turn the ball over 20 times.

STU ended the first quarter with a 37-15 lead, rallying off Campbell's hot shooting performance. Along with Campbell's five 3-pointers, the Tommies ended the first quarter 8-11 from beyond the arc.

"Tre's one of those guys," Hickey said. "When he gets his feet set, the ball has a good chance of going in."

STU didn't slow down to end the half, as Gayo Isaya (Fredericton, NB) slamed down a breakaway dunk with just under three minutes left to extend the Tommies' lead to 30.

After another high socring half to end the game, STU finished with a 110-66 win - their third consecutive win to start the season, reaching triple digits in each game.

Hickey credits the Tommies' ball movement for their offensive success to start the year.

"We have a lot of guys with the ability to make shots," he said. "When we move the ball and have guys set their feet, we're going to score some points."

The Tommies will play the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics in a rematch of the 2021-22 ACAA finals at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym on Nov. 13. Tip-off is at 3:00. The Blue Devils, now 0-3, will take on the Mount Allison University Mounties the same day at 4:00 in their home gym.