Tritons Torch Invaders 106-81 Behind Fausel’s Firepower, Force Game 7 in Tampa
With their backs against the wall, the Tampa Bay Tritons delivered a thunderous response, dismantling the Indiana Invaders 106-81 to force a decisive Game 7 at home in the American Conference Semifinals. The Tritons came out blazing, outscoring Indiana 60-40 in the first half and never looked back. Shooting a sizzling 47% from the field and 90% from the line, Tampa Bay’s offense was in full flight, led by the electric David Fausel, who poured in 24 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including three triples, and added 6 rebounds and 2 steals to earn Player of the Game honors.
Whitney Diggins was flawless in his first career playoff start, scoring 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting night, while Jerome Fry added 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. The Tritons dominated the glass with a 54-39 rebounding edge and racked up 11 steals and 10 blocks in a stifling defensive effort. However, the victory came at a cost—star center Herman Winslow, who had 18 points and 4 assists in just 29 minutes, exited late in the third quarter with a strained back. Team doctors have ruled him out for at least two weeks, a tough blow for a team already missing starting forward Rick Cavender to injury.
Despite the mounting injuries, Tampa Bay’s depth and determination shone through. With Game 7 looming in front of their home crowd, the Tritons will look to ride this momentum and overcome adversity in pursuit of a conference finals berth. Series tied 3-3.
