PACWEST Media

The the Capilano Blues put a scare into the VIU Mariners but ultimately couldn't prevent the top seed from advancing to their 15th-straight PACWEST gold medal game in a 59-52 result that went the Mariners' way.

It was a low scoring defensive and physical battle with the Mariners shooting 38 per cent from the field led by Player of the Game Peter Li and his 18 points. PACWEST Player of the Year Adam Anhold ran into foul trouble but still finished with 13 points and seven rebounds and Kaeleb Johnson came off the bench for 12 points.

With the win the Mariners will advance to the gold medal game where they will meet the Camosun Chargers in an island rivalry game at 8:00pm. Both teams have already qualified for the national championship held in New Brunswick in two weeks.

The Blues shot 35 per cent from the field and also ran into foul trouble particularly with their bigs. Zach Klim was forced to the bench playing only 13 minutes which hurt them on the defensive end.  On the offence Kash Lang scored all 13 of his points in the second half after stifling defence by the Mariners in the first half.  Josh Dhillon was named their Player of the Game conducting the offensive push.

With the setback the Blues will meet the Langara Falcons in the bronze medal game at 3 p.m. on Saturday.