The Celts came out fired up defensively and strung together a 10-0 run to start the game. However, the Tiger's offense picked up as they went on a 20-8 run to take the lead back heading into half. At the end of the first half, the Celts scoring was evenly distributed with Nathan Ghavidel putting up 7 points while Christian Alaekwe and Calen Anderson posted 6 points each. The late offensive explosion from Trinity gave them a 35-31 lead at the break.
Both teams traded blows as the second half endured. It was a one-possession game for nearly the entirety of the second half. The game quickly turned into a free throw match due to the aggressive nature of both teams defensively. The 10-minute mark saw both teams in the bonus. After countless lead changes, a three pointer by Trinity's Tanner Brown gave the Tigers the advantage late. Although, a deep shot from beyond the arc by forward, Adam Kanafani brought the Celts within one with 14.5 ticks remaining. However, the late game free throw shooting from the Tigers is what put victory out of reach for UST.
The majority of the Celts produced offensively throughout the night as Nathan Ghavidel and Adam Kanafani led the way 13 a piece. Juan Hood put up 12 points, 2 assists and steal and Christian Alaekwe contributed 7 points of his own. Defensively, Cameron Gims shined as he grabbed 9 rebounds and denied 3 shots.
The Celts will travel to Dallas to take on UDallas next Friday and Saturday.
