Ajiamah leds Tigers to win over REDS

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Dalhousie Tigers secured a 74-66 victory over the UNB REDS on Saturday night at Dalplex, with a strong performance that included five blocks and 20 assists.

Dalhousie opened the first half with an early defensive play, as Riley Stewart made a steal and followed it with a dunk, setting the initial pace. The teams exchanged leads until Dalhousie found momentum midway through, sparked by Giovanni Ajiamah's jumper that tied the game at 4. Dalhousie continued to push ahead with a 3-pointer by Ukiah Best, assisted by Spencer Riar, and extended their lead with strong performance from Lydell Husbands-Browne, who scored from beyond the arc.

As the half progressed, Dalhousie's defense held firm, maintaining a lead despite the REDS' attempts to close the gap. Riley Stewart's free throws and Husbands-Browne's late jumper pushed Dalhousie's advantage to seven points. The half concluded with Dalhousie leading 20-15, setting a strong foundation for the remainder of the game.

Dalhousie opened the second half with a scoring push, extending their lead to 15 points with 3:57 remaining. Riley Stewart contributed significantly with a series of layups, supported by assists from Lydell Husbands-Browne. The team maintained strong defensive efforts, highlighted by Ukiah Best's block and Giovanni Ajiamah's defensive rebound and steal.

UNB attempted to close the gap with a late scoring effort, including a layup by Brandon Laryea with 44 seconds left, but Dalhousie held their ground. Dalhousie's consistent offensive execution, including a layup by Ukiah Best in the final moments, helped secure a 39-31 lead at the end of the half.

Dalhousie opened the second half with a strong performance, highlighted by Jayden Parker's dunk at 9:23, extending their presence in the paint. Lydell Husbands-Browne facilitated key plays, recording multiple assists, including one at 8:42, which set up Parker for a jumper, increasing Dalhousie's lead.

As the half progressed, Giovanni Ajiamah's three-pointer at 6:21 pushed Dalhousie's lead to 15 points. The team maintained their defensive presence with a block by Spencer Riar at 1:38, limiting the REDS' scoring opportunities. Despite a late surge from UNB, Dalhousie concluded the half with a 58-48 lead.

Dalhousie opened the fourth period by extending their lead with a quick sequence, as Giovanni Ajiamah contributed a 3-pointer followed by a layup, both assisted by Lydell Husbands-Browne. This stretch increased their advantage to 63–48. Despite UNB's attempts to narrow the gap, Ajiamah maintained momentum with a jumper at 5:32, keeping Dalhousie comfortably ahead.

As the REDS sought to mount a comeback with scoring contributions from Brandon Laryea and Tim Ellison, Dalhousie responded with key defensive stops and a block by Spencer Riar. Husbands-Browne hit crucial free throws to extend the lead, and Caleb Stewart added a layup at 0:50 to cement the edge.

Dalhousie maintained their composure in the final minutes, with precise free-throw shooting from Isaiah Graham-Roache and Spencer Riar. The period concluded with Dalhousie securing a 74–66 victory, holding off the REDS' late push and maintaining a strong lead throughout.

Giovanni Ajiamah led the team with 18 points, converting 8 of 15 field goal attempts, including two from beyond the arc. Lydell Husbands-Browne recorded a double-double, contributing 16 points and dishing out 13 assists while securing seven rebounds. Riley Stewart also achieved a double-double, scoring 16 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Spencer Riar made an impact on defense with three blocks, adding six points and six rebounds to his performance.

The Tigers host the UPEI Panthers on Friday at Dalplex.