Basketball Recap: Ashaun Julian's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Gateway over Auburndale

Gateway and Auburndale squared off in some playoff action on Wednesday, but Gateway had to settle for second. They took a 67-63 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Auburndale Bloodhounds. Despite running the score up even higher than they did in their prior game last Wednesday (56), the Panthers still had to take the loss.

Ashaun Julian

Steals

02/12/25 vs Auburndale	3
01/13/25 vs Liberty	3
11/22/24 vs Rockledge	3
01/29/25 @ Eau Gallie	2
01/27/25 @ Harmony	2
+ 10 more games

Gateway lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Ashaun Julian, who posted 16 points along with seven rebounds and three steals. He is becoming a predictor of Gateway's success: when he posts at least three steals the team is 2-1 (and 9-11 when he doesn't). Jeremias Guadalupe was another key player, going 5-for-7 on his way to 16 points.

Even though they lost, Gateway smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in six consecutive matches.

Auburndale's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jaden Lindsay, who almost dropped a double-double with 14 points and nine boards. Lindsay is also on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 50% in the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Aiden Curry, who had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Gateway now has a losing record of 11-12. As for Auburndale, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 22-6 record this season.

Gateway does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Auburndale, they will take on Lecanto at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. One thing working in Auburndale's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last three games.