DME HS National won against The Rock School Tuesday night in an exciting matchup 55-53.

National came out ready to play and knew the magnitude of the game with The Rock being a traditional powerhouse nationally and one of the top SIAA schools.

Senior center Assane Diouf led the team with 17 points and 4 rebounds and sophomore Mayoum Mayoum had 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

National opened the game down 0-4 but kept the game close through the first half with both teams sharing the lead throughout.

National came out on top at the end of the first half, 30-26.

Starting the second half, DME took the lead and never looked back, establishing a 14 point lead during the first ten minutes of the second half 40-26. The Rock managed to fight back within three points 54-51, in the last two minutes of the game.

The game came down to the last 30 seconds with the Rock having possession and down two points 55-53. Madiaw Niang made a great defensive play with a block stopping the Rock from scoring. Madiaw Niang finished with 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

“Although it was a great win, there are some great lessons to learn from the end of the game in order for us to move forward with this momentum,” coach Mondragon expressed after the game.

National now prepares for their game Next Tuesday against Heritage High School.