In a closely contested TBT matchup at Freedom Hall on July 20, 2024, The Ville narrowly defeated Uknighted 79-70. The game showcased a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, with both teams trading blows throughout the contest.
The Ville’s victory was anchored by a dominant performance from Montrezl Harrell, who demonstrated his NBA pedigree with a double-double of 20 points and 9 rebounds. Harrell’s presence in the paint was a constant challenge for Uknighted, as he shot an efficient 7-12 from the field and capitalized on trips to the free-throw line, going 6-7.
David Johnson provided a significant boost for The Ville, showcasing his sharpshooting ability with 17 points, including a remarkable 5-12 from beyond the arc. His 8 rebounds and 3 assists rounded out an impressive all-around performance.
For Uknighted, Vance Hall led the charge with 18 points on 7-12 shooting, including 3-8 from three-point range. Dylan Penn came off the bench to provide a spark, matching Hall’s 18 points in just 28 minutes of play.
The game was a testament to the importance of three-point shooting in modern basketball. While Uknighted shot a respectable 35.3% from beyond the arc, The Ville struggled, managing only 24%. However, The Ville made up for this with superior interior play and free-throw shooting, going 19-27 from the charity stripe compared to Uknighted’s 2-5.
Rebounding was evenly matched, with both teams securing 39 boards. The Ville’s Chris Jones contributed across the board with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and led all players with 4 assists.
Despite the loss, Uknighted’s Braydon Hobbs put in a solid performance with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and a game-high 4 assists, matching Jones of The Ville.
The game remained close throughout, with neither team able to pull away decisively. In the end, The Ville’s ability to get to the free-throw line and convert (70.4% on 27 attempts) proved to be a crucial factor in their victory.
This win advances The Ville further in the TBT tournament, while Uknighted exits after a valiant effort. The game highlighted the competitive nature of the TBT and the high level of talent on display from both current and former college stars.
