Hoops Defeat NSA, 91-80
Hoops pulled away for a convincing 91-80 D1M win over NSA at Rockland Arena on Monday, December 22. Trazarien White led the charge for Hoops with a game-high 27 points and 8 rebounds. The lead changed hands 11 times before Hoops eventually pulled away for good.
Hoops took a 52-46 lead into halftime. Hoops closed the game strong with a 25-19 fourth-quarter effort.
The game featured several highlight plays. E. Omogbo (NSA) threw down a powerful dunk in the first quarter, one of 2 dunks in the game. A. Ekkawi (Hoops) connected from beyond the arc in the second quarter during a crucial stretch. E. Lufile was a force on the defensive end with 7 blocks.
Trazarien White was the undeniable star of the game, finishing with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals in 25 minutes of action. He shot 7-of-15 (47%) from the field, 5-of-10 (50%) from three-point range, 8-of-10 (80%) from the free-throw line. The team was a remarkable +23 with him on the floor. Ahmad Ekkawi provided valuable support with 10 points, 6 rebounds. Georges Yves Daaboul also chipped in with 12 points off the starting lineup.
Hoops's bench was a major factor, contributing 15 points off the pine. Ahmad Ekkawi was the standout reserve, providing 10 points, 6 rebounds in a spark-plug role. Hoops also generated 21 fast-break points, capitalizing on every opportunity.
Both teams shot similarly from the field — Hoops at 36% and NSA at 38%. Hoops also had the advantage at the charity stripe, converting 30 free throws to NSA's 21.
NSA committed 23 turnovers compared to Hoops's 12, leading to 16 points off turnovers for Hoops. Hoops was in control for much of the game, building a lead of up to 15 points.
Down the stretch, Hoops came up clutch when it mattered most. G. Daaboul nailed a key basket with 08:38 remaining to help seal the victory.
In a losing effort, Richard Maykey fought hard for NSA, finishing with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. Elijah Lufile added 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, but their combined efforts were not enough to turn the tide.