Men's Weekend Recap: The Return

Mariners fans have had these games circled on their calendar for a long time. Peter Li, a longtime leader in VIU's guard room, returns to Nanaimo for the first time since transferring to Capilano.

Friday - VIU 85, Capilano 77

No love lost.

An even first quarter gave way to a nine point swing in the second, which the Mariners rode out of the half, taking a 20-point lead near the end of the third quarter.

The Blues wouldn't go gently, unleashing a barrage of threes, but the lead was too large to overcome as the Mariners escaped with their eighth win of the season.

Winston Cole and Ekman Sohal led the way for VIU, combining for 45 points, four assists, and 16 rebounds. Breandan McLaughlin added 11 rebounds of his own along with 11 points for his first double-double of the season.

Sukhraj Garcha was Capilano's leading scorer, finishing with 16 points on 75% shooting. Kash Lang and Zach Klim also reached double digits.

Saturday - VIU 88, Capilano 98

There's the Peter Li that was advertised.

The Blues rode the momentum of an excellent third quarter, outscoring the Mariners 31-24 to take an eight point lead into the final frame, where they survived a late push to earn the victory, just as they had in last year’s PACWEST title game. 

Though VIU shot well, the Blues shot better, converting all of their free throws while pulling down 36 rebounds. 

Kai Leighton’s absence continues to haunt the Mariners as they head into their first bye week, while the Blues have their statement win on the young season. 

Peter Li had a much better showing for Capilano, recording 18 points at a 33% clip. He took a backseat to fellow fifth-year guard Kash Lang, who scored a game-high 31 points while adding two steals, five assists, and three rebounds. 

Zach Hamed and Zach Klim thrived in the post, combining for 26 points and 15 rebounds. 

VIU’s leading scorer was Ekman Sohal with 28 points. The Mariners had four other players reach double digits, but routinely found themselves bullied out of the post. 

The Mariners have next week off before a crucial matchup with the Camosun Chargers the week after.