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University of New Brunswick - Saint John

Big first quarter, bigger finish: UNBSJ holds off UKC

Big first quarter, bigger finish: UNBSJ holds off UKC
Box Score
February 8, 2026

The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves built the edge early, absorbed a UKC surge, and finished with composure to earn a 70–62 win over the University of King's College on February 8.

UNBSJ's opening quarter set the tone. Strong defensive rebounding and early ball movement led to a 22–12 advantage after ten minutes, with Daren Clarke already establishing his presence around the rim and Aj Nash attacking gaps off the dribble. The Seawolves' work on the glass was noticeable from the start and became a theme, as they would go on to out-rebound UKC 46–41 by night's end.

UKC answered with its best stretch in the second quarter, pouring in 25 points behind shot-making from Kevahn Taylor and Kalon MacDonald-Wood. As UNBSJ's shooting cooled, UKC found rhythm from the perimeter and in transition, flipping the game into a 38–37 halftime lead. Despite trailing, the Seawolves were still generating quality looks and sharing the ball effectively, a sign of what would come later.

The third quarter turned into a grind, and that played into UNBSJ's strengths. Clarke took on a larger offensive load, finishing inside and stepping out to hit key shots as he climbed toward a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double. Nash continued to facilitate, pushing the pace and finding teammates, and would finish with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. UNBSJ edged the frame 16–14 to reclaim the lead, 54–51, heading to the fourth.

The final quarter was about execution. UKC briefly moved in front during a tense stretch, but UNBSJ responded with stops and second-chance control. The Seawolves' ability to limit turnovers with just seven on the night compared to UKC's ten, helped them settle into half-court sets and get the shots they wanted. Lance Howlett provided a timely boost off the bench, finishing with 11 points, while Ethan Szemerda's all-around floor game (10 rebounds, 6 assists) helped UNBSJ manage possessions down the stretch.

UKC battled to the end, with Taylor leading all UKC scorers at 22 points and Tysen Dufrane adding 12 points and 13 rebounds, but UNBSJ's rebounding edge, balanced scoring, and steadier late-game possessions proved decisive as they closed out the 70–62 result.

--- Russell Malally, BSW '27 ---