The Atlantis University men's basketball team played its twelfth game this Saturday, hosting Beacon College at the David Posnack JCC field in Davie, in Broward County. Coming into the game, the Atlanteans were determined to avenge their earlier 99-91 loss to the Blazers and improve their standing in the USCAA conference.
From the opening whistle, AU showed tremendous energy and discipline, leading early in the game. Their relentless pressure on the ball, a testament to their aggressive and competitive spirit, disrupted the Blazers' game plan, enabling the Atlanteans to go ahead by 4 points during the first 10 minutes. However, Beacon College responded swiftly, turning the tide with strong performances from Jared Carter and Ernesto Hichez. Javeon Wells-Reddick's dominance on the boards further strengthened the Blazers' position, but AU's resilience kept the game competitive. By halftime, the Atlanteans had clawed back and edged out a slim 33-31 advantage.
The second half saw AU emerge with renewed intensity and determination. They held the lead, powered by a team effort showcasing skill and grit. Ethan Barnes led the scoring for AU with 17 points, and Santiago Insaurralde, 14. Artem Sorokin and Nikko Landon chipped in with seven each. Other notable contributions included Samuel Jimenez with 6 points and Ja'Tez's electrifying plays, which ignited the crowd multiple times and helped solidify the victory. At the same time, Folayemi Salako made a strong impact with a double-double, demonstrating the team's individual contributions and collective effort, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds.
This 68-63 win against Beacon College for the Atlanteans marks a significant morale boost as they prepare for the year's final games. With their record now at 6-6, the team aims to build on this success and secure their place in the USCAA National Championship. The Atlanteans' next challenge will be in Georgia at the North-South Classic. On December 21st, they will go up against The Builders of The Apprentices School, a team with a history of close games against AU, and on December 22nd, they will face Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU). This team has been a strong contender in the USCAA. Frankie Hernandez's squad will head into these crucial matchups determined to increase their victories and end the year on a high note.