Sylla Ignites Our Savior Win

CENTEREACH, NEW YORK -- With the Valparaiso coaching staff watching one of their prized recruits, Oumar Sylla didn't disappoint. Sylla, who signed a letter of intent with Valparaiso this past Fall signing period, scored 21 points, many of them at key moments during yesterday's 67-40 win over Life Center in the final of the Maranatha Invitational.

Five of Sylla's buckets came from the perimeter, including two three-pointers. Sylla scored 11 of his game-high 21 points in the first half as Our Savior spurted out to a 32-19 edge.

In the third quarter, after Life Center made a run at Our Savior, Sylla dropped in another nine points to help his team increase its advantage to 51-32. Our Savior was never challenged in the fourth quarter.

Sylla, who goes about 6-6, is a nice pickup for the Valparaiso program. He is a smart player, uses the glass wisely from the perimeter, and is a good defender. Sylla is also tough on the boards and is getting better at rotating the ball when he is trapped by defenders.