SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Norfolk State seniors
Christian Ings and
Tyrel Bladen represented the Spartans at the 4
th annual HBCU All-Star Game on Sunday afternoon, putting together a strong showing.
Both appearing in the starting lineup, Ings and Bladen made their mark at both ends of the floor in the showcase event. Ings finished the day with 15 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Bladen posted four points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Ings put his wide bag of tricks on display in the first half, starting with multiple flashy assists. A no-look pass grabbed the attention of the television announcers.
Quickly moving into transition, Ings earned a hockey assist to set up a Bladen bucket in the paint. Ings closed the first half with a basket of his own on an incredible spin move.
Ings and Team Attles continued to pour in points in the second half, keeping the back-and-forth battle going. The graduate guard flew to the rim for multiple baskets, showing his range as well with a comfortable 3-pointer.
Using another spin move to slice through the lane, Ings knocked down a floating jump shot to push Team Attles ahead by double figures. Interviewed at a media timeout for the viewing audience, Ings discussed the whirlwind weekend he'd experienced from College Slam Dunk Champion to All-Star Game standout.
"I'm really just trying to take it all in one day at a time," Ings said. "It's almost like when I do something, the next week I do something else. I feel like it's a good crescendo to finish my college career.
Bladen kept the momentum going, knocking down a midrange jumper with ease late in the fourth quarter.
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