Hoop X-Men advance to semi-finals at Shoveller

The CIS ranked #3 X-Men opened the annual Rod Shoveller Invitational tournament at Dalhousie University with a 71-60 win over the Lakehead Thunderwolves in quarterfinal action played Friday afternoon at the Dalplex in Halifax.

Led by Player of the Game Christian T-Bear Upshaw with 20 points, the X-Men established a 42-31 lead at half-time and did not relinquish their lead en route to the win. Upshaw also contributed 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the game.

Dwayne Johnson played a strong game for X scoring 17 points and posting 9 rebounds, while rookie Jeremy Dunn scored 12 points.

Lakehead was led by Player of the Game Yoosrie Salhia who scored 21 points and had 11 rebounds. Kiraan Posey scored 19 points and had 7 rebounds in the losing effort.

The X-Men will meet AUS rival Saint Mary’s Saturday night at 6:00 pm in the first semi-final game. The Carleton Ravens and host Dalhousie Tigers will meet in the other semi-final at 8:00 pm. StFX are the three-time defending tournament champions and have won the tournament five times in the past six years.