Basketball

HOOPS: GECKOS SURGE PAST DOLPHINS

GW’s big second half propels them over Southern

Published on

February 6, 2024

GSPN

By Carmen Gogue

What a difference a half makes.

The George Washington Geckos delivered a comeback effort to defeat the Southern Dolphins 73-55 Monday night at Tiyan in the ISA Boys Basketball League after trailing at halftime 32-31.

Kaden Apiag scored 20 points to lead the Geckos. Darnell Camacho played a key role on the defensive end with 13 rebounds and three big blocks.

Despite being down throughout the first half, the Geckos were motivated to avenge themselves.

Kaden Apiag highlights his team’s mindset during the halftime, “We don’t like being down, we never want to be on the losing side of the game. We just came into the second half ready to work and play defense.”

It was the third quarter that featured the beginning of a comeback that would shock the Dolphins.

Camacho opened the third quarter with a textbook three-point play followed by a short jumper from Preston Fredrick to give the Geckos a short four point lead 36-32.

Southern’s Clyde Layug answered back with a short jumper of his own, together with a made layup from teammate Javan Naputi to tie the game at 36-36.

Camacho’s big blocks and a 9-0 run for the Geckos put them up 42-39. The Geckos were on a roll increasing the lead further to close out the third 50-44.

The final quarter looked no different for the Geckos as Apiag scored eight of his 20 points partnered with the strong efforts from his team to comeback and defeat the Dolphins.

Southern grabbed the lead early with points from all starting five players. The Dolphins showcased flawless treys from Michael Sanchez, Gabriel Hollingsworth, and Matt Quinata. Two-point shots from Landon Castro and Javan Naputi put the Dolphins up 18-14 to end the first quarter.

The second quarter became back and forth scoring between both teams but the Geckos were able to stay on pace with the Dolphins and cut the lead to only one point ending the first half 32-31.