Behind a strong fourth quarter comeback REDA Black was able to pull away from Tri County Prep for the 63-57 victory at ACTS Fitness and Athletics Centre in Orangeville.

For a game that had only one lead change over the first three quarters, coming in the first three minutes of play, the fourth quarter alone saw four lead changes. Outscoring their opponents 21-9 in the final eight minutes REDA was able to overcome a sluggish first three quarters.

 “Again it always comes down to rebounding. For some reason they don’t want to rebound until the fourth quarter and I just told them once we got the lead that if we rebound we’re going to win the game,” said Jesse Tipping REDA Black head coach.

For the early part of the game it was the lack of rebounding that got REDA down early, as Tri County got a number of second chance opportunities with Cory Kenning and Cudjoe Masuka, who both finished with a team-high 15 points, attacking the offensive boards.

The dynamic Tri County duo looked to have the game in their grasps dominating the first half by combining to score 22-of-33 Tri County points. Most impressive was the all-around versatility of Masuka who was impressing with his rebounding, ball handling and facilitating as well as his ability to score.

While Tri County looked to smoothly run through offence REDA struggled to get into its half court offense, looking to go one-on-one as opposed to running sets. The lack of discipline was affecting both ends of the floor as the defence was following suit with the lacklustre offence trailing 33-26 heading into the break.

It was a trait the coaching staff wasn’t too impressed with.

“Politely I said that they need to stop playing like they’re high school kids and start playing like who they want to be to play at the University level.  Playing down to the level of their competition is not going to help so they just had to push through, rebound the ball, run the sets and the shots will come,” said Tipping.

Taking heed of their coach’s words, REDA began the second half by clamping down on the defensive end, holding Kenning to just two baskets and limiting Masuka’s looks in transition.

It wouldn’t be until the five minute mark of the fourth that REDA would claim its first lead since the opening minutes of the contest, as Connor Wood hit three of his game-high 20 and would be the one to ice the game at the free throw line at the end.

Chipping in for REDA was the hard driving of Abednego Lufile and smooth shooting of Gentrey Thomas who added 14 points for the No.1 ranked program.