The Indiana Mad Ants and Westchester Knicks delivered another nail-biter on Wednesday afternoon, with the Knicks securing a 117-114 overtime victory in a New Year’s Day showdown. The loss marks the Mad Ants’ first setback of the regular season, bringing their record to 3-1 (10-10 overall).
Indiana came out strong, with Dakota Mathias scoring the opening points on a three-pointer assisted by Kyle Mangas. The Mad Ants battled to stay within striking distance during the first quarter but trailed 33-24 after one. Mathias led the charge early with seven points in the period.
The second quarter saw Indiana surge ahead, fueled by back-to-back threes from Josiah-Jordan James and Tristen Newton. The Mad Ants flipped a nine-point deficit into a 45-39 lead midway through the quarter. Westchester regained the lead briefly, but De’Vion Harmon tied the game at 56 just before halftime with a spinning jumper. Mathias, Mangas, and Newton each had 10 points at the break.
Indiana pulled ahead in the third quarter, leading by as many as 11 points, thanks to scoring bursts from Mathias, Mangas, and Ishmael Lane. Westchester closed the gap late in the period, but the Mad Ants held an 85-83 edge heading into the fourth. Mathias paced the team with 17 points through three quarters.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Mathias opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and Newton and Mangas made critical baskets to keep the Mad Ants within reach. Trailing 108-100 with three minutes left, Indiana mounted a furious rally. Mangas’ two-handed dunk and Mathias’ three-pointer cut the deficit to one. In the final minute, Mangas hit back-to-back threes to give Indiana a 110-108 lead, but the Knicks tied the game with free throws, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Westchester’s Tyler Kolek scored five crucial points, including the game-winning free throw, to reach the target score of 117. Despite a powerful dunk from Jahlil Okafor to bring Indiana within two points, the Mad Ants fell just short.
Key Performances
- Dakota Mathias: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
- Tristen Newton: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists
- Kyle Mangas: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
- Jahlil Okafor: 18 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists
- Cameron McGriff: 12 points, 12 rebounds
Next Up
The Mad Ants conclude their road trip on Saturday, January 4, against the Capital City Go-Go, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Indiana’s next home game is Tuesday, January 7, against the Maine Celtics at 12:30 p.m.
