The Tri City Tide returned home on Friday night after a tough four-game road stretch, only to run into a sharp-shooting Halifax Hoopers team that handed them a 112–94 loss at Crandall University.

It wasn’t the outcome the Tide were hoping for, especially after an emotional win on the road just days before. Still, the game showed signs of grit, individual brilliance, and a team that continues to compete—even with adversity mounting.

What Went Right:

• Kyler Haynes: X-Factor Once Again
  Haynes continues to be a problem for opposing defenses. The versatile scorer poured in 28 points, doing most of his damage off the bounce and in the midrange. When he gets going, the offense flows, and last night was no different.

• Christian Ndiaye on the Glass
  Ndiaye anchored the paint and cleaned up rebounds all night, finishing with 17 boards. His physicality stood out in a tough matchup down low.

• Frank Agyemang’s Paint Presence
  Frank brought energy on both ends. Whether he was scoring inside or chasing down rebounds, his presence in the paint helped keep Halifax honest. He continues to be one of the hardest-working players on the floor.

What Went Wrong:

• Fatigue
  No doubt about it—the Tide looked tired. This game marked their fifth in seven days, including a road back-to-back last weekend and a midweek road game in New Jersey. It showed. Halifax took advantage of tired legs and capitalized in transition and late-clock situations.

• Stretch Five Matchup
  Rozelle Nix had a solid game holding the paint but struggled defensively against Halifax’s stretch big, who pulled him out of the paint and disrupted the Tide’s interior defense. It created driving lanes and forced some tough rotations from the help defenders.

• Turnovers and Cold Shooting
  With two key guards missing in De’monte Nelson and Brandon Neel (both out with injuries), the offense leaned heavily on Andrews and Haynes. While they delivered, the team’s overall ball movement and three-point shooting suffered.

Heart and Hustle:

Even down double digits, the Tide kept fighting. They played with effort, crashed the boards, and showed flashes of what Tide basketball is all about. This group continues to play for each other, even when depth and fatigue present major challenges.

Looking Ahead:

With a short break ahead, the team will regroup and prepare for the next stretch. With Neel and Nelson hoping to return soon, the Tide have a chance to get healthy and rediscover their rhythm. Friday night’s loss doesn’t define the team—but how they respond just might.