Ignite Falls in 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup Opener, 82-76
Published on September 22, 2023 under NBA G League (G League)
NBA G League Ignite News Release
SINGAPORE. - NBA G League fell in its Intercontinental Cup opener against Al Ahly, 82-76, on Thursday night at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Tyler Smith led the way for Ignite after recording a game-high 18 points with six rebounds, followed by John Jenkins with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Ron Holland ended his night with 15 points and five rebounds on 7-of-14 shooting from the field.
Ehab Amin paced the Reds with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Omar Oraby (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Mostafa Kejo (10 points, 13 rebounds) both recorded a double-double. Norris Cole finished with 13 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals.
In a back-and-forth first half, Ignite trailed by two points at the halfway mark. After a slow start in the opening quarter, Ignite used a 10-0 run to take a one-point lead heading into the second period. Off the bench, Tyler Smith sparked Ignite's comeback by pouring in 8 of his 18 points in the first quarter. The Reds regained control in the second quarter behind Omar Oraby and Ehab Amin. Oraby tallied 13 points and seven rebounds in the half, while Amin added 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 from the three-point line in that span.
The tightly contested matchup continued in the second half, as neither team could create separation until late in the fourth quarter. Down seven with under seven minutes remaining in regulation, Ignite cut its deficit to two points, forcing the Reds to call a timeout. The Reds responded by ending the game on an 11-3 run. Amr Gendy, of Al Ahly, scored all nine of his points in the final period to lead his team to victory. The Reds held a massive advantage in second-chance points (24-7) after grabbing 28 offensive rebounds.
Ignite will face off against Sesi Franca on Saturday at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Coverage will be available on NBA TV.
TEAM 1 2 3 4 SCORE POINTS REBOUNDS ASSISTS
AL AHLY 20 25 17 20 82 Ehab Amin 15 Mostafa Kejo 13 Norris Cole 9
G LEAGUE IGNITE 21 22 16 17 76 Tyler Smith 18 Izan Almansa 8 London Johnson 6
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