Chargers Fall to Mystics in ACAA Semi-Final
(Halifax, NS) – The Crandall Chargers’ playoff run came to an end Saturday evening as they fell 97–66 to the top-seeded host Mount Saint Vincent Mystics in the ACAA Men’s Basketball Championship semi-final at the A. Garnet Brown Memorial Gymnasium.
Colby McIntosh led the Chargers with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Ethan Culberson added 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Caleb Rennie chipped in eight points off the bench.
The Mystics opened the game with early momentum, using strong rebounding and transition play to build a quick lead. After MSVU scored the first five points, Rennie responded with a three-pointer for the Chargers. McIntosh later crashed the offensive glass for a put-back to tie the game at 10 midway through the first quarter.
Mount Saint Vincent regained control late in the opening frame, closing the quarter on a run to take a 27–16 lead.
The Mystics continued to extend their advantage in the second quarter, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and strong defensive pressure. Culberson knocked down a mid-range jumper to briefly halt the run, but MSVU controlled the tempo and pushed the lead to 54–30 by halftime.
Crandall came out with energy to start the third quarter. Culberson connected from beyond the arc, and Luca Del Bosco followed with a three of his own to trim the deficit. However, the Mystics answered with strong transition play and efficient scoring to maintain their advantage, extending their lead to 84–49 heading into the final quarter.
The Chargers opened the fourth with a quick 7–0 run as they continued to attack offensively. McIntosh added a strong finish inside midway through the quarter, but the Mystics were able to close out the game and secure the 97–66 victory.
McIntosh was named Cleve’s Source for Sports Player of the Game for the Chargers.
Despite the loss, the Chargers capped off a strong postseason run that included an impressive quarterfinal victory over Holland College.