New Delhi, 11th February 2025: The Gujarat Stallions took on the Delhi Dribblers and played an intense game of basketball that saw the lead change 30 times and lead to the first overtime of the season to secure a 95-90 first match in the InBL Pro U25 at the Thyagraj Indoor Stadium today. Tredon Hankerson had a massive game again, scoring 26 points while Joshua Duach contributed 19 crucial points from the bench in the Stallions’ victory.
Both teams came out with intense defensive energy, making it a tough battle to start the first quarter. It took two minutes before Mudronja finally broke the deadlock, sinking the first basket to get the Dribblers on the board. What followed was a three-point shootout, but the Stallions’ defensive pressure made all the difference while Jock Perry and Amarendra Nayak each drained a three pointer, pushing the Stallions ahead by eight. Just when it looked like they were pulling away, the Dribblers responded by attacking the paint, fighting for second-chance points, and clawing their way back to cut the lead to just two at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter saw the Stallions step up their defence and ball movement, creating space for Joshua Duach to knock down a pair of clutch three-pointers, stretching their lead back to eight. Meanwhile, the Dribblers found themselves in early foul trouble, giving the Stallions extra opportunities at the line. However, momentum shifted when Stallions’ Hankerson picked up two quick fouls, forcing him to the bench. Sensing the opening, Tomar sparked the Dribblers’ comeback, scoring back-to-back baskets to slice the lead to just four by halftime.
Nate Roberts came up with a massive two handed slam in transition and converted from the freethrow line to put the Stallions ahead again as soon as the third quarter began. They amped up their defensive intensity but soon hit the foul limit, opening the door for the Dribblers. Tomar dominated the boards, and Mudronja’s clutch three-pointer gave them a two-point edge. As the quarter closed, Nawaz Singh Panaich drilled another three, pushing the Dribblers’ lead to five and setting up a thrilling final quarter.
The fourth quarter was electric, with both teams battling for the lead. Nate Roberts and Hankerson powered the Stallions, while Lachlan Barker and Mudronja kept the Dribblers in the fight. With 30 seconds left, Hankerson’s clutch turnaround jumper put the Stallions ahead, but Mudronja’s free throws tied it with 10 seconds remaining. Hankerson answered with a fadeaway to reclaim the lead with under a second left—only for James Montgomery to sink a stunning turnaround jumper under pressure, forcing overtime.
The intensity carried into OT, with Tushal Singh’s three giving the Stallions an early edge. But after Jock Perry fouled out, Barker drilled a deep three to level things up. Tushal Singh responded with a three of his own, putting the Stallions back in front. They locked in defensively and held on for a thrilling 95-90 victory.
