Atlantis University (0-1) began the game with an impressive display, commanding a 36-30 lead at halftime thanks to their sharp shooting and a well-rounded offensive approach. Ethan Barnes emerged as the standout player for AU, showcasing his scoring prowess by netting 15 points with an impressive shooting efficiency of 7-of-10 from the field. Supporting him was Santiago Insaurralde, who contributed a solid 12 points. In comparison, Folayemi Salako rounded out the offensive effort with 10 points and five crucial rebounds, demonstrating the team's ability to assert themselves early on.

As the second half unfolded, Bryant & Stratton - Albany staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring Atlantis University 46-29. The home team displayed extraordinary shooting accuracy, hitting 95.2% of their shots after halftime. Trent McNeill led the charge, pouring in 17 points, while Jalen Brown added a valuable 15 points to the scoreboard. Additionally, Bryant & Stratton expertly exploited second-chance opportunities, dominating that aspect by a margin of 12-4, and their bench players contributed significantly, adding a combined 28 points to the team's total.

Team Statistics

Shooting Efficiency: Atlantis University shot a commendable 60% overall but struggled from long range, converting only 1 of their six three-point attempts. In contrast, Bryant & Stratton displayed their shooting strength, nailing 57.1% of their three-point shots, illustrating their effective perimeter game.  

Rebounding Battle: The rebounding contest was tightly contested, with Bryant & Stratton edging out AU 18-15 in total rebounds. Denali Burton was particularly impactful, pulling seven rebounds and helping his team secure critical possessions.  

Points in the Paint: The match featured a physical battle inside the key, with Bryant & Stratton slightly overcoming AU with a score of 36-32 in points scored in the paint.

Atlantis University's debut showcased several promising aspects, especially from its starting lineup, which exhibited offensive cohesion and potential. However, the lack of bench depth and critical defensive lapses during the second half ultimately proved detrimental to its efforts. Head Coach Frankie Hernandez will seek to address these issues and build on the team's first-half solid performance as it prepares for its next challenge. Continuing their road trip through New York, Atlantis University will face Bryan & Stratton - Syracuse this Friday and Saturday. This upcoming game presents an excellent opportunity for AU to regroup and strive for victory, aiming to capitalize on the momentum gained from their initial strong performance.