Trey Alexander’s 29 propels Squadron over Westchester Knicks
The Birmingham Squadron defeated the Westchester Knicks 105-98. Birmingham was led by their star backcourt duo, reigning NBA G League Rookie of the Year Trey Alexander and Jaden Springer, who combined for 56 of the Squadron’s 108 total points.
Meanwhile, for the Knicks, Tosan Evbuomwan led with 28, with guards Dink Pate (24) and Bryson Warren (20) as the other players scoring 20 or more.
The Knicks started strong as Trey Jemison and Isaiah Roby scored the first two baskets, giving Westchester an early edge. Josh Oduro answered for Birmingham with a thunderous dunk, and Trey Alexander added a tough layup to tie the game.
After a quick Knicks start, the Squadrons went on an 8-0 run following an Oduro basket. Donovan Williams ended the Knicks’ scoreless streak with a contested drive to the basket, making it 8-6.
A Springer three-pointer and careless turnovers gave Birmingham a seven-point swing, pushing the lead to 13-6. Westchester’s frustration showed when Nick Jourdain was called for a technical foul, giving the Squadrons free points and possession. Despite six first-quarter turnovers, the Knicks trailed only 20-17 in a low-scoring quarter, with both teams shooting under 40%.
Knicks Fight Back in Second
Birmingham scored seven quick points to open the second quarter, extending their lead to eight. The Knicks responded as Pate made a long two after Jemison secured an offensive rebound, tying the game at 32. Pate then sank a three-pointer to give Westchester its first lead since early in the game.
Westchester outscored Birmingham 26-25 in the second quarter, though Birmingham led 45-43 at halftime following a left-handed jam from D.J. Carton. Alexander led the Squadrons with 13 points at the half, while Tosin Evbuomwan paced the Knicks with 15 points.
The Knicks also cut their turnovers down from six in the first quarter to just two in the second, regaining better control of possessions.
Momentum Shift
Westchester stalled at 45 points for much of the third quarter until Roby scored on a drive to the hoop with under eight minutes remaining. However, the Squadron took advantage, building a double-digit lead after Hunter Dickson connected on a three-pointer.
The Squadron’s momentum continued, expanding the margin to 19 points following a Trhae Mitchell jumper.
Westchester fought back as Pate and Warren hit consecutive three-pointers to trim the deficit. Warren capped the third quarter with a four-point play, cutting the lead to 11 and giving the Knicks momentum heading into the fourth.
Squadron overcomes Knick’s rally.
Warren kept hot from deep, hitting a three-pointer to reduce the deficit to seven with 9:08 remaining. Pate followed with another triple, bringing the game within one possession after trailing by 21 points. Warren then found Jemison on a lob to tie the game at 87 before Springer hit a jumper, restoring Birmingham’s lead.
Pate’s deep three tied it again, but Alexander responded with a right-handed floater to regain a three-point lead. With 1:59 remaining, Oduro fouled out after scoring 12 points.
Birmingham’s backcourt duo, Alexander and Springer, combined for 56 points, proving too much for Westchester. Springer hit clutch free throws, and Alexander added a difficult floater to lead 99-95 with 12.5 seconds left.
Warren’s three-pointer made it 99-98 with 8.2 seconds remaining, but Westchester fouled Alexander, who made both free throws to take a three-point lead with 6.5 seconds left. Evbuomwan missed the second free throw intentionally, but Birmingham secured the rebound, sealing the 105-98 win.
Westchester falls to 0-3 in the regular season, struggling to close games. Meanwhile, Squadron improved to 2-1 and will face Westchester again Sunday at 7 P.M. ET in the second game of the series.
