Okafor Goes for 38 Points in Monday Night Victory

By Indiana Mad Ants Staff /December 31, 2024

WHITE PLAINS, Ny. - The Indiana Mad Ants began a three-game road trip on Monday night beginning with the Westchester Knicks. The Mad Ants extended their winning streak to six games with a 127-124 win over the Knicks. Jahlil Okafor erupted for 38 points while shooting 18-for-21 from the field. Dakota Mathias added 27 points while Cameron McGriff posted a double-double.

The Mad Ants started off strong and began the game on a 7-2 run. Towards the end of the quarter, they pulled away once more and brought the lead to 29-20. A three-pointer from Josiah-Jordan James made it a double-digit lead at 32-22. At the end of the first quarter, Indiana had a commanding 36-28 lead.

In the second quarter, baskets from De’Vion Harmon and Kyle Mangas put the Mad Ants ahead 41-28. Okafor scored 30 seconds later to make it a 43-30 ballgame. The two clubs traded baskets for a while before the Mad Ants pulled out to a 15-point lead with seven minutes to go in the first half. Indiana defended a late run from Westchester and the Mad Ants had a 67-63 lead at halftime. Okafor had 26 of his 38 points in the first half.

Okafor picked up where he left off and scored less than a minute into the second half. After the Knicks tied the game, Cameron McGriff put the Mad Ants back in front with a three-pointer. At the eight-minute mark of the third quarter, Mangas made a basket to give the Mad Ants a 78-71 lead. The Knicks again fought back to tie the game and take the lead. However, Indiana was resilient and took the lead at the end of the quarter with a three-pointer from Dakota Mathias. Indiana had a 94-93 lead after three quarters of play.

The Purdue alum made back-to-back three-pointers to start the fourth quarter. Four minutes later, Mangas knocked down a three-pointer to give the Mad Ants another double-digit lead at 114-104. Westchester continued to battle and brought it to a three-point game at 119-116 with four minutes to go. With two minutes left, the Knicks grabbed a 122-121 lead.

The two clubs traded baskets down the stretch with Indiana pulling ahead 125-124 with 1:07 remaining. McGriff sealed the deal with a running layup with two seconds left in regulation. Indiana defeated the Knicks by a final score of 127-124

Notes

Final Score: 127-124

With the win, the Mad Ants improve to 3-0 in the regular season (10-9 overall)

6-game winning streak for the Mad Ants

Mad Ants led 67-63 at halftime

Tristen Newton (2-Way): 0 pts, 0 reb, 10 ast

Jahlil Okafor: 38 pts (18-21 FG), 6 reb, 2 ast

Dakota Mathias: 27 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast

Kyle Mangas: 18 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast

Cameron McGriff: 21 pts, 10 reb, ast

Mad Ants leading scorer: Jahlil Okafor (38)

Mad Ants leading rebounder: Cameron McGriff (10)

Mad Ants leader in assists: Tristen Newton (10)

The Mad Ants will continue their road trip on Wednesday, January 1^st again against the Westchester Knicks. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The road trip concludes on Saturday, January 4^th when the Mad Ants take on the Capital City Go-Go. Indiana’s next home game will be Tuesday, January 7^th against the Maine Celtics at 12:30 p.m.

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The Indiana Mad Ants are the G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers. The franchise is currently playing in its 18^th season dating back to 2007-2008. The Mad Ants have been a part of Pacers Sports and Entertainment since 2015. The club plays their home games at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse located at 125 South Pennsylvania Street in downtown Indianapolis. Purchase Mad Ants tickets here or visit the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Box Office.