Balanced scoring leads DeLaSalle past Fridley in Tri-Metro matchup

MINNEAPOLIS — DeLaSalle leaned on balanced scoring and efficient perimeter shooting to pull away from Fridley in a Tri-Metro Conference game Wednesday night at 1 De La Salle Drive, with the Islanders’ offense sparked by a breakout performance from junior guard Jaeden Udean.

Udean led the Islanders with 20 points in just 18 minutes, shooting 7-for-8 from the field and 4-for-5 from 3-point range. His shooting helped key the decisive stretch, as DeLaSalle created separation with a sustained run built on half-court execution and quick-hitting transition chances. Udean’s ability to space the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc consistently pressured the Fridley defense and opened driving lanes for teammates.

The Islanders’ offense was marked by balance beyond Udean’s hot hand. Omar Ali added 11 points in 19 minutes, going 4-for-5 from the field and converting both of his free throws, while attacking both inside and out. Frontcourt contributors Jonas McCreary, Ichima Idoko and Deon Wallace-Johnson each finished with 10 points, giving DeLaSalle five players in double figures. McCreary was especially efficient, hitting 4-for-5 from the floor and a perfect 4-for-4 on 2-point attempts, underscoring the team’s effectiveness around the rim.

Inside, Idoko and Wallace-Johnson provided consistent pressure on Fridley’s interior defense. Idoko tallied his 10 points on 5-for-11 shooting, working primarily in the paint and midrange. Wallace-Johnson added 10 points in 16 minutes on 5-for-7 shooting, taking advantage of opportunities created when Fridley extended its defense to the perimeter. Their production gave the Islanders a reliable inside presence to complement the perimeter shooting that swung momentum.

DeLaSalle’s defense also played a key role in the game’s turning points. Stops on consecutive possessions fueled the run that created the final margin, with the Islanders converting turnovers and long rebounds into transition baskets. The combination of disciplined half-court defense and efficient shot-making allowed DeLaSalle to maintain control once it seized the lead for good.

The Islanders’ offensive efficiency was evident across the rotation, with multiple players shooting better than 60 percent from the field and capitalizing at the free-throw line when opportunities arose. Udean’s 2-for-3 performance at the stripe, along with perfect trips from Ali and McCreary, reflected the team’s ability to finish possessions. That balance and execution helped DeLaSalle close out the contest without allowing Fridley a late rally.

With the Tri-Metro victory, DeLaSalle builds momentum heading into its next conference matchup at Columbia Heights on Jan. 14. The Islanders will look to carry forward the same combination of balanced scoring, defensive intensity and efficient shooting that defined their performance against Fridley.