Ngala breaks 3-point record against REDS
Nginyu Ngala drained nine 3-pts shots in the 76-64 win to break the Tigers record.
By: Jake Webb
The Dalhousie Tigers rain it down on the UNB REDS, winning the Saturday night game at Dalplex 76-64.
The Tigers dominated the court in the first quarter, with good passing plays and strict defense. Guard Nginyu Ngala (Montreal, QC) made a three-pointer under pressure, and forward Joshua Koulamallah (Gatineau, QC) hit a spin move to lose his guards and made the layup. The REDS attack tested the Tigers' defense, with good-looking plays like forward Vegas Evans (Brampton, ON) moving to open space and hitting the three-pointer. But it was not enough as the Tigers finished the first quarter 26-18.
The REDS came back in the second, thanks in no small part to forward Brett Speedy (Fredericton, NB) who made a cross court pass to guard Eden Otshudi (Hamilton, ON) who scored a three-pointer. Despite the Tigers having some strong attacks, the REDS were able to come back and tie it at the end of the second quarter. The score at the half was 36-36.
The third quarter began with intensity. The Tigers were able to find their momentum and regain the lead. Early in the quarter, Koulamallah hit a fake to lose his guard and score. On the other side, guard Marcus Barnes (Kitchener, ON) makes another three-pointer to keep his team in the game. At the end of the quarter, Alex Ruiz (Valencia, Spain) rushed past the REDS defense for a layup under pressure, making the Tigers finish the third on top.
The fourth quarter starts with the score 60-51 for the Tigers. Both teams played more defensively, limiting chances and passing tight. The Tigers were able to shut down the REDS, winning the game 76-64.
Ngala was the Tigers top scorer, getting 32 points and 10 rebounds. He also made nine 3-pointers, breaking the Tigers record for most three-pointers scored in a single game and puts him in a tie for fifth in the AUS. This record-breaking performance won him the Subway Player of the Game. The REDS top scorer was forward Norm Burry (Grafton, NB), with 15 points and five rebounds.
The Tigers play the REDS again at Dalplex Saturday night, starting at 8 p.m.