Team Nova Scotia dug deep late in its game against Newfoundland and Labrador to pull off a 70-63 win at the Canadian under-17 boys’ basketball championship at Saint Mary’s on Wednesday.

After leading for the majority of the game, Nova Scotia saw its Atlantic opponent erase the margin in the late stages. But some clutch scoring in the final minute snapped a 62-62 tie and sealed the victory for the host team.

Alex Carson finished with 18 points to lead Nova Scotia and Tynes and Hyde had 16 and 14, respectively. Hyde also had eight rebounds, including six on the offensive end. Nathan Barker was the top scorer for Newfoundland and Labrador with 18.

The win means Nova Scotia advances directly to the semifinals on Friday where the next opponent will be either Manitoba or British Columbia. Those teams play each other on Thursday. Quebec has also moved through to the semis and will play the winner of Thursday’s game between Ontario and Alberta.

Alberta 97, Saskatchewan 79: Max Russell had 26 points and Scott Mazutinec had 22 as Alberta defeated Saskatchewan.

It was the first day of the playoffs with the winners staying in medal contention and the losers dropping into consolation play.

Ben Hillis had 23 and Emmanuel Akintunde 15 points and 10 rebounds for Saskatchewan.

B.C. 86, P.E.I. 33: Lambert Pajayon had 14 to power B.C.

Ethan Craig had 10 for the Islanders.

Quebec 80, New Brunswick 63: Christopher Lafrance had 36 points and eight rebounds to pace Quebec.

Chris Spurrell had 15 in the loss.

 

In the under-15 bracket, Nova Scotia dropped a 77-64 decision to Saskatchewan to end its playoff run.

Adefolarin Adetogun scored 19 points and grabbed 11 points to sink the host team. Alexander Dewar (18 points) and Damon Dutton (17) also hit double digits for Saskatchewan.

Nova Scotia’s Mahamed Abukar led all scorers with 20 points and Kellen Tynes had 14.

Nova Scotia will play P.E.I. on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the consolation round.

B.C. 86, P.E.I. 54: Bradley Braich had 18 as B.C. rolled.

Logan Cameron hooped 17 for P.E.I.

Newfoundland and Labrador 60, Alberta 51: Devin O’Leary had 19 and Liam Chislett 17 for the winners.

Keyon Moore had 12 for Alberta.

New Brunswick 75, Manitoba 74: Adam Lambert had 15 points for the winners, down 60-53 to start the fourth quarter.

Mark Tachie netted 22 for Manitoba.