Trendon Hankerson Powers Gujarat Stallions to First Win Over Punjab Warriors in InBl Pro U25
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Synopsis
The Gujarat Stallions claimed their first win in the InBl Pro U25, overcoming the Punjab Warriors 83-76, thanks to standout performances from Trendon Hankerson and Jock Perry.
Key Takeaways
- Trendon Hankerson scored 24 points.
- Jock Perry contributed with a double-double.
- Gujarat Stallions made a solid comeback.
- Amarendra Nayak hit crucial three-pointers.
- Defensive cohesion led to victory.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Gujarat Stallions achieved their inaugural win of the season, defeating the Punjab Warriors 83-76 during the InBl Pro U25 at the Thyagraj Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
Trendon Hankerson was instrumental for the Stallions, contributing 24 points and 5 assists, while Jock Perry stepped up in the second half, posting a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds to seal the victory.
In search of their first league win, the Gujarat team featured Indian point guard Sahaij Sekhon making his debut. They initiated a thrilling three-point contest with Prince Tyagi, Trendon Hankerson, and Amarendra Nayak. However, the Warriors’ Vaisakh Manoj and Lucas Barker matched the Stallions shot for shot, allowing the Warriors to take a narrow two-point lead after an uncontested three by Gurbaz Sandhu.
The second quarter saw the three-point duel escalate, with the Punjab Warriors quickly increasing their lead to six thanks to Lucas Barker. Yet, Trendon Hankerson countered with a four-point play after a foul beyond the arc, and Gurbaz Sandhu found his deep shooting form, leveling the game as both teams engaged in a high-scoring shootout, leaving the score tied at halftime.
As the third quarter commenced, both teams strengthened their defenses. Amarendra Nayak hit a wide-open three-pointer, and Trendon Hankerson added a layup in traffic, putting the Stallions ahead by eight. However, Lucas Barker and Uche Dibiamaka quickly responded, resulting in both teams ending the quarter with only 12 points each.
The fourth quarter began with a tightly contested match, but Trendon Hankerson made several key plays to extend the Stallions' lead to seven points midway through. The Warriors, already in foul trouble with three minutes to go, struggled to contain Jock Perry in the paint. Perry was soon fouled out, and despite the Warriors' efforts to control the paint, the Stallions maintained their defensive cohesion, securing an 83-76 triumph.
