Canadians in NCAA: Tyler Ennis Thriving, Emerson Murray Back in Action

It has been a jam packed weekend of college basketball. Sunday’s Canadian content included the second leading rebounder in the NCAA, a dynamic scorer in the ACC, a team on a mission to stay undefeated and the return of Vancouver’s pride and joy.

@NorthPoleHoops continues tracking Canadians in the NCAA.

• Tyler Ennis (Brampton, ON) and Syracuse survived a big scare Sunday and remained undefeated. Ennis was the top Canadian performer of the day netting 21 points (5-12 FG, 1-2 3PT, 10-10FT) 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals as the Cuse beat St. Johns 68-63. After a missed three pointer and an ill advised and-one foul on St. John’s Orlando Sanchez (he missed the free throw) Ennis went on a tear. With five minutes left in the game and Syracuse down two, Ennis took control. He scored six points down the stretch and also assisted on a CJ Fair jumper that gave the Orange a two-possession lead (67-61). The freshman point guard showed a lot of grit in the close win, as he was able to make big plays to seal the deal.

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  Olivier Hanlan (Gatineau, QC) can finally breathe a sigh of relief. His Boston College team ended their three game slide Sunday night with a 67-50 win over Philadelphia.Hanlan did not have a particularly strong game. His 14 points were not very efficient (5-13 FG, 2-8 3PT, 2-2 FT), and although he finished with six rebounds and four assists, he did also turn the ball over four times.

• Chad Posthumus (Winnipeg, MB) struggled shooting the ball all night long and as Morehead St lost 61-67 against Bowling Green. Posthumus scored three points on a dreadful 1 of 9 from the field (11%). However, Posthumus’ rebounding is undeniable, snatching 11 boards in the game. He is currently the second leading rebounder in the NCAA (12.7).
• Emerson Murray (Vancouver, BC) scored 10 points (3-7 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2-3 FT) had 4 rebounds, 1 assists and 2 steals Sunday night. His Seattle team blew out Pacific Lutheran 66-38. It was Murray’s first game back from injury, since opening game against Washington, and shook off the rust, scoring all 10 points in the first half. On the flip side, he fouled out in 21 minutes of action. NPH expects a big year from the Vancouver native, and this tune up game was a good sign. Expected Murray’s production to rise.
• Dylan Ennis (Brampton, ON) had a good all around game on Sunday night. Although he only scored 5 points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1-2 FT) he was able to contribute in other areas of the game dishing out 7 assists and ripping down 5 rebounds. His team also got the victory as Villanova crushed La Salle 73-52.
• Dejan Kravic (London, ON) hit double digits in the scoring department for the first time all season Sunday registering 13 points (4-7 FG, 5-6 FT) in only nine minutes. He also added 5 rebounds 2 blocks and a steal, as his Texas Tech squad was able to beat up on Central Arkansas 79-57.