HOUSTON, TX- After regrouping from being on the road, the St. Thomas Celts delivered a commanding performance at home, defeating the ETBU Tigers 88-53 to extend their record to 6-1.
The game began as a tight contest, with the Celts holding a slim 8-6 lead early on. That changed when Charles Gitonga electrified the crowd with a powerful dunk, sparking a dominant run. The Celts surged ahead with a 14-6 burst, building a 24-12 lead. Despite the Tigers' efforts to fight back and close the gap to 33-20, the Celts displayed resilience by keeping ETBU to shooting 37% in the first half and closing the first half with a 42-25 advantage.
St. Thomas picked up where they left off in the second half, extending their lead to 52-30 and maintaining their relentless pace. Their defense proved stifling, holding the Tigers to just 47% shooting while forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities. The Celts' balanced scoring attack and disciplined execution helped them secure the decisive 88-53 victory.
Gitonga led the charge for St. Thomas, finishing a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, including 2 three-pointers, and contributing 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Andrew Adebo showcased his all-around game with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and a steal, while Nathan Kongolo added 10 points, three rebounds, and 2 assists.
Angel Johnson orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out a game-high 9 assists while chipping in 6 points and 2 steals. The Celts' bench made a significant impact, with Dylan Jackson and Omar Gayle combining for 14 points and adding energy on both ends of the floor.
The victory was a team effort, with 11 different Celts scoring and the team shooting an impressive 57% from the field. St. Thomas also dominated the boards, out-rebounding ETBU 24-20 and forcing 16 turnovers.
Up Next
The Celts now shift their focus to their first conference matchup as they host Colorado College on December 14 at 3 PM. Stay updated on all things UST basketball by following @ustmbasketball on Instagram or visiting ustcelts.com.
