The U.P.E.I. Basketball Teachoming off an inspired win over powerhouse Saint Mary's and a 106-86 club— bing of Mount AllisonJWill engage in two crucial con- tests this weekend as the struggle for play—off spots intensifies. Saturday, the Panthers face traditionally tough Acadia who are lead by guards Donnie Ehler, the best shoot— er in the conference accord- ing to Panther coach Ed Hilton, and Rodney Martin, who is capable of throwing in 20 or 25 points a game. Up front Acadia gets strong rebounding frcm former Pan— ther Guy MacIsaac at 6'8" and Kevin Moore at 6'7". Coach Hilton foresees that the Axemen defence, which has kept them close in every game this year, will cause some problems for the bane charges. The man who brought defence to Wolfville is former U.P.E.I mentor Dave Nutbrown, who des— pite a 3-5 record has done an admirable job in his first year .with the team. For those not familiar with Nutbrcmn, he'll be the portly fellow on the Acadia bench who is screaming, shouting, arguing, and sighing . as if he were going to have a nervous break-down. The game also marks the re— turn of Panther stars turned defectors, Chris Sumner and Skeeter Mower, who are' assis— tant coaches ‘for the Axemen. Sunday, ‘Panther fans are in for a real treat when the Dalhousie Tigers, ranked 5th .in the nation, take the floor at Alumni Gymnasium. The Tig— ers are led by 6'7" Stan Whetstone a bonafide star from New Jersey who scores, rebounds defends, passes, etc. with the best of them. Helping Whetstone in the frontcourt will be the exciting Bo Hampton at 6'6" while at the guard position Steve Lambert is a stalwart. The Tigers have all the ing— redients of National Champion; Panthers Depend 0n Rookies With one month left in the A.U.A.A. basketball schedule, ‘ U.P.E.I. 's drive for a play— off spot will to a large ex— tent be determined by two . ' rookie players. The two rook- ies who hold the keys are Tyrone Norman and Granny Mor- gan. Norman, 6'2" Science stu- dent is the club's top scorer with 107 points in seven A.U. ADA. contest for a 15.3 ave- rage per game. He is also the second leading rebounder, grabbing them at a rate of 7.5 per game. Norman is right up with the best percentage shooters as he ranks third» in the club with a 48.9% shooting average on 96 att— emPtS- Granny Morgan is the other freshman who is show- ing his skills in the tough A.U.A.A. league. Granny is the Panthers top rebounder with 57 in seven games. He stands fourth in scoring with 93 points and fifth in shooting percentage with a 47.2 average. Morgan and Norman are the two first egear players that have loqg the most playing time with "eterans Curtis Brown, Tejan Alleyne, Aion - Pettigrew, and Captain Bill Redmond. With two crucial games this weekend the rookies and veterans will have to be at their best if they hope to be in the play-offs next month. Acadia Axamen visit the campus at 4:00 on Sat— urday followed by Dal. on Sun- day at 3:00. The Panthers presently hold down third spot in the league with a 5—2 record. Commenting on the upcoming games Coach Ed Hilton had this to say, "yes, it's fair to say the rookies must play like es- tablished veterans if we are = to be successful. Both are cap able of playing with anyone around I just hope they are ready this weekend. We know both visiting teams are much bigger than we are, however, we hope speed and determina- tion will make up for our lack of height. Not only our determonation, but the fans have been exceptionally good again this year and they have helped motivate our kids and we look for more of the same enthusiasm this weekend." Panthers Play Host To Nutbrown' at 1 p.m. Coac" h Hilton said that fan support V and Coach Hilton is understand- ably worried. Not only does Dal- housie have a sizable height average over the Panthers, but surprisingly,,for a team their size, they also have a quicker team than U.P.E.I., according to Hilton who inspected the Tiger armour for a Chink last weekend. . The Panthers will be led yet again by Bill Redmond, who Coach Hilton describes as "one of the premier players in the league". Redmond, a 3 time conference All—star, was at his best two weeks ago when the team upset S.M.U., shoot- ing a remarkable 12 for 15 from the field, on top of 4 . assists and 4 rebounds. He also shot down Bob Oostveen who shoul have been terrorizing the Panther defence beforehand. The Panthers will be look- ing for help inside frcm stand out Mike Morgan, Tyrone Norman. T.J. ALIeyne, and a 6'7' new- comer Colin Edwards, who Hil- ton considers a key to a successfiu.‘ stretch drive. In the back court look out for Carl Doucet, quick Aion Petti-» grew, sharpshooting Curtis Brown and Nigel Daley. Round- ing out the squad are Ron Val- ‘ entine and Fred Kelley. / The Panthers' goal before the season was to make the play-offs. With a 5 and 2 record, their chances look good. This weekend's games are crucial. Saturday's game against Acadia starts at 4 p.m. preceded by the wrmen's game at 2 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a 3 p.m. start, pre- ceded by the women's contest WOMEN KEEP FIT CLASSES has been excellent; V efully- this will cont- inue during the stretch ’ drive . -Pat Nbore. NDESE MAKER DAY Men's Basketball Acadis vs UPEI "Welcore Back Dave Nutbrown" Come on out and make This weeks "Panther of the Week" is Curtis Brown. Curtis was high man for the Panthers as he scored 24 points in their win against Mt. A this past weekend ., Curtis is now in his second year with the Panthers. MONDAY 11:30 - 12:30 P.M. TUESDAY 11:30 -. 12:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY 11. THURSDAY 11:30 - 12:30 P.M. FRIDAY 11:30 — 12:30 P.M. RECREATIONAL H0CKE_Y_ TUESDAY 9:00 - 11:00 WEDNESDAY 9:00 - 11:00 THURSDAY 9:00 - 11:00 FRIDAY 9:00 - 11:00 RECREATIONAL SKATING MONDAY 1:30 - 3:00 TUESDAY 1:30 - 3:00 WEDNESDAY 1:30 - 3:00 THURSDAY 1:30 - 3:00 > P D W Z Z Z 3 — 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. -3o — 12:_30 p.m. '— 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. - 12:30 - 1:30 P.M.