March 22, 2025, Crandall University
The Tri-City Tide took on the Halifax Hoopers at Crandall University on March 22, 2025, in what proved to be a tough and competitive matchup. Although the Tide fought valiantly to claw back from a 16-point halftime deficit, they ultimately fell short with a 103-93 loss. Despite the defeat, there were plenty of bright spots, particularly in the second half, which showcased the team’s resilience and growth.
A Slow Start, But A Strong Finish
The game didn’t start off well for the Tide. The Halifax Hoopers came out strong, controlling the game for most of the first half. By halftime, the Tide found themselves down 61-45, struggling to find their rhythm on both ends of the floor. However, what followed in the second half was a true testament to the Tide’s character.
Out of the locker room, the Tide came alive, slowly chipping away at the Hoopers’ lead. With key performances from Kyler Haynes and De’Monte Nelson, the team’s defense tightened, and their offense began to click. By the final moments of the game, the Tide had managed to trim the deficit to just three points, proving they had no intention of backing down.
Key Performances from the Tide
There were standout performances from several players that helped propel the Tide’s second-half surge. Leading the way was Kyler Haynes, who finished the game with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Haynes provided a consistent scoring presence, shooting 37% from the field and contributing across the board. While his performance was vital, the team’s inconsistency from beyond the arc continued to be an issue, especially as the game wore on.
The brightest star of the night was De’Monte Nelson, who was named Spark Creative Player of the Game. Nelson’s outstanding all-around performance included 23 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. He shot 52% from the field and lit up the three-point line, making 5 of his 7 attempts (71%). His clutch shots in the second half helped keep the Tide within striking distance, and his playmaking ability was essential in the team’s comeback effort.
Another key contributor was newcomer Devon Andrews, who made an impressive debut for the Tide. In just 19 minutes of play, Andrews scored 18 points on 55% shooting, including a 50% from three-point range. His ability to score efficiently added a much-needed spark to the offense, especially as the team looked to regain its momentum.
The Bench Steps Up
The bench also played an important role in the Tide’s fightback. While the reserves didn’t score as much as the starters, players like Kivaris Myricks and Adrian Mike contributed valuable minutes. Myricks added 3 points and 2 assists, and Mike chipped in with 1 point. Their efforts, while not as flashy, were essential in maintaining the Tide’s energy and pushing forward during the second half.
Halifax Hoopers’ Balanced Attack
The Hoopers were able to maintain control of the game due to a balanced scoring attack. Davis led the way for Halifax with 22 points, and A. Clarke dominated inside, contributing 14 points and 18 rebounds. The Hoopers’ shooting efficiency, particularly their perimeter shooting and free throw success (making 65% of their free throws), was another key factor in their victory.
What Went Well
Despite the loss, the Tide demonstrated significant improvement from their season opener. Down by 16 at halftime, they refused to give up and fought back hard. The second-half performance showed the team’s potential and growth, with individual standout performances from Haynes, Nelson, and Andrews offering optimism for the rest of the season.
The resilience shown, particularly with their late-game surge, highlights that the Tide are capable of competing at a high level. With more consistency in their shooting and defensive execution, they could be a dangerous team moving forward.
Areas for Improvement
That said, there are still areas the Tide need to address. Their shooting from beyond the arc remains a work in progress, as they only shot 34% from three-point range. Consistency from deep will be crucial in future games if they are to compete effectively. Additionally, turnovers continue to be an issue, as the Tide committed 17 turnovers, leading to 12 points off turnovers for Halifax.
Defensively, the Tide need to improve communication and transition defense. Halifax capitalized on fast-break opportunities and second-chance points, which hurt the Tide throughout the game. Improving in these areas will be crucial for the Tide as they move forward in the season.
Looking Ahead: Tri-State Admirals
Looking ahead, the Tri-City Tide will look to bounce back in their next game against the Tri-State Admirals on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This game will provide another opportunity for the Tide to build on their second-half performance and secure their first win of the season.
Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they take on the Admirals. With the heart and determination shown in their second-half rally against Halifax, the Tide will be looking to turn their season around and build momentum moving forward.
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