St. Albans vs Bulldogs (Churchill)

Recap

By Eric Brilliant

The Bulldogs get back into the playoff picture with a win against St. Albans, 58-46. The Bulldogs had dropped three prior after starting the Summer League 2-0 but get a much needed win against the Bulldogs.

Both teams had games earlier today, which showed in this matchup. The play was a little sluggish to begin, but the Bulldogs started to attack the rim scoring a pair of easy baskets at the rim to open things up. 

Melchi Jonah (‘24, F) and Steve Ndingue (‘24, F) formed a nice duo in the frontcourt for the Bulldogs, combining for 13 first half points. Jonah and Ndingue athleticism was too much for St. Albans defenders all game, which the Bulldogs coaching staff did a good job of identifying. The Bulldogs looked to play through Ndingue in the high post and in high ball screens. 

St. Albans had a very balanced offensive attack in the first half. Jaylen Wills (‘25, G) got things going for St. Albans with a three and Elliott Hopes (‘25, G) continued his offensive performance from his game earlier today, scoring seven first half points.

St. Albans was able to double the Bulldogs three point percentage, keeping them in the game through the first half as the Bulldogs took a 25-23 halftime lead.

The Bulldogs continued to run things through the high pick-and-roll with Steve Ndingue. This half featured Nick Goldberg (‘24, G) as the main ball handler in those high ball screens, who looked impressive and more comfortable in the second half. Goldberg came into his own in the second half, looking more aggressive and making the right decision.

Jaylen Wills and Elliott Hopes tried to shoot St. Albans out of it, combining for 35 points, but it wasn’t enough. The Bulldogs physicality was too much and Steve Ndingue had two monstrous dunks in the final seconds to cap this one. 

The Bulldogs face John Carroll tomorrow, looking to stay in the playoff hunt. St. Albans will play the Seahawks as they look for their second win of the season.