Williams Records Double-Double, Skyhawks Rally Late but Fall to Nets 119–111

In the second game of a back-to-back, the College Park Skyhawks came up short Sunday afternoon, falling 119–111 to the Long Island Nets despite a balanced offensive effort at Gateway Center Arena.

Atlanta Hawks two-way center Malik Williams anchored the Skyhawks once again, posting a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double. The Louisville product recorded his third game this season with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds, continuing an impressive stretch as he entered the contest averaging career highs of 16.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.

Kobe Johnson delivered a breakout performance, pouring in a career-high 18 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Johnson added four rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 30 minutes. Rookie Basheer Jihad also made his presence felt off the bench, tying his career high with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in just 15 minutes.

College Park showcased its depth offensively, with seven Skyhawks reaching double figures for the first time this season. Along with Williams (21) and Johnson (18), Caleb Houstan chipped in 17 points, MJ Walker and Jihad added 14 apiece, Dwight Murray Jr. finished with 13, and Deivon Smith rounded out the group with 10 points.

Long Island grabbed an early seven-point edge in the opening quarter, but the Skyhawks answered with four straight triples from Johnson, Jihad, and Walker to pull within one. College Park closed the period trailing by just one, 31–30, setting the tone for a competitive afternoon.

The Nets responded to open the second quarter with three consecutive baskets, rebuilding their seven-point cushion. That margin held through the remainder of the half, as College Park went into the break down 59–50. Williams flirted with a double-double at halftime, tallying 13 points and nine rebounds.

Long Island maintained its momentum in the third quarter behind a strong stretch from Brooklyn Nets two-way forward E.J. Liddell, who scored 14 points in the frame. The Nets extended their advantage to 90–75 heading into the fourth.

The Skyhawks refused to go quietly. Long Island held a double-digit lead for much of the final period and stretched it to 13 points with two minutes remaining. College Park responded with a late 10-point burst, trimming the deficit to five with 37 seconds left. After forcing a jump ball and gaining possession with 30 seconds remaining, the Skyhawks had a chance to make it a one-possession game, but Long Island came up with a defensive stop and sealed the contest at the free-throw line.

Liddell led all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes, while Brooklyn Nets first-round pick Ben Saraf added 21 points in 38 minutes to pace Long Island.

The Skyhawks will look to regroup as they close out their four-game homestand with a two-game series against the Birmingham Squadron on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, with both games tipping off at 7 p.m.