Quebec MVP Damian Buckley collected 22 points and 10 assists to lead the No. 7-ranked Concordia Stingers to an 80-63 victory over the McGill Redmen in the QSSF semifinal at Concordia gym on Friday night.
The Stingers will meet the UQAM Citadins in the Quebec conference championship at Concordia on Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m.
Buckley, the unanimous choice as conference MVP, had the Stingers rolling from the opening tip-off. Concordia was up 11-2 quickly and never looked back. By halftime the score was 44-31.
Six-foot-seven centre Jamal Gallier was also a big factor. He had 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Decee Krah was also in double figures with 11 points.
McGill’s Moustafa El Zanaty was the leading scorer in the game with 23 points. He was six for 19 from the field and nine of 10 at the line.
Concordia shot 46 per cent from the field compared to McGill’s 33 per cent. The Stingers also out-rebounded McGill 38-29.
The Stingers, who finished first in Quebec with a 12-4 win-loss record, will host the third-place Citadins on Thursday night. UQAM posted an 8-8 record in conference play but upset the second-place Laval Rouge et Or 84-73 last Friday to advance to the finals.
Tickets are on sale at the Loyola athletic complex, 7200 Sherbrooke St. W., Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. If tickets remain, they will go on sale at the door beginning at 6 p.m.
Tickets may also be purchased with VISA or MasterCard by calling 514-848-2424 until 1 p.m. Thursday.
No passes will be accepted for this game.
