Thompson drops 32, but UNB escapes UPEI in 70-68 heartbreaker
Kyree Thompson did everything he could to close it out, but in the end it wasn’t enough.
By Thomas Becker
Kyree Thompson did everything he could to close it out, but in the end it wasn't enough.
The fourth-year guard poured in a career-high 32 points and nearly carried the UPEI Panthers across the finish line, but the UNB Reds delivered the final blow, slipping away with a 70–68 win Saturday evening at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre in a game that felt right there for the taking.
Thompson was everywhere—burying six threes, ripping down nine rebounds, and swiping five steals. Every surge UPEI (5-9) made had his fingerprints on it, and every late possession ran through his hands as the Panthers tried to protect a lead.
UNB (10-5) struck first, knocking down early threes and racing out to a 21–9 lead in the opening quarter. But UPEI steadied itself late. A Matthew Magnan jumper ignited a response that was fuelled by Sam Dyck's rare four-point play and an Owen Smith finish, cutting the deficit to 21–17 after one and shifting the tone of the afternoon.
The Panthers carried that energy into the second where Thompson seized control. He opened the quarter with a three, jumped a passing lane for a steal, then stayed with a missed free throw to extend the possession—a sequence that ended with a Hugo Bermejo reverse layup and a UPEI lead. Thompson followed with two more triples as the Panthers pushed ahead 35-26, but UNB steadied itself at the line and trimmed the margin to 35-32 by halftime.
Thompson opened the second half with a three, only for UNB to counter with a quick 6-0 burst to draw level. What followed was a stretch of tight, physical basketball, with the lead changing hands and neither side able to create separation. The Reds found just enough late offence to slip ahead before the buzzer, taking a 50-47 lead into the final quarter.
UPEI had its chances late. Thompson sparked a 7-0 run early in the fourth to put the Panthers in front, and Smith—who finished with 10 points—hit a big three to make it 61-54 midway through the frame.
But UNB answered when it mattered most. Marcus Barnes, who finished with 21 points, tied the game with a clutch three before Brandon Laryea (14 points and eight rebounds) delivered the go-ahead triple with 50 seconds remaining. Barnes added a free throw for insurance, and Thompson's last-gasp three at the buzzer fell short
The Panthers now turn their attention to a pivotal two-game set against the Saint Mary's Huskies next weekend.
Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek
