It was a good run, but the Gateway Eagles unfortunately witnessed the end of their seven-game winning streak on Tuesday. They were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 39-38 to First Baptist Academy. The match was a 19-19 toss-up at halftime, but Gateway couldn't quite close it out.
Kenyah Moss and Thatiyana Holiday certainly did their best on Tuesday to avoid the loss. Moss dropped a double-double on 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Holiday scored 15 points along with five rebounds and four steals. Another player making a difference was Miracle Salters, who scored four points.
Even though they lost, Gateway smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as First Baptist Academy only pulled down five offensive rebounds.
It was another big night for Zara Leilani Stewart, who scored 17 points along with five rebounds and two steals for First Baptist Academy. That makes it five consecutive games in which Leilani Stewart has scored at least a third of First Baptist Academy's points. Ella Johnson was another key contributor, scoring 12 points.
Gateway's defeat ended a 11-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 15-3. As for First Baptist Academy, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matchups, which provided a massive bump to their 11-10 record this season.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Gateway will take on the Gators at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Island Coast is no doubt hoping to put an end to a six-game streak of away losses. As for First Baptist Academy, they have the luxury of staying home another game and will welcome the Stingrays at 6:00 p.m. on February 1st. Seacrest Country Day is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 57.2 points per game this season.
