Philander Smith Edges Out Wiley in Overtime Thriller

In an exhilarating matchup at Mims Gymnasium, Philander Smith University secured a narrow victory over Wiley University with a final score of 72-66. The game played on January 13, 2025, drew an attendance of 250 spectators who witnessed a tightly contested battle that extended into overtime.

Philander Smith and Wiley were neck-and-neck throughout the game. The first half ended with Philander Smith holding a slight edge at 34-31. Wiley fought back in the second half, outscoring Philander Smith 30-27, which sent the game into overtime. However, Philander Smith was dominant in the extra period, outscoring Wiley 11-5 to clinch the win.

Raymond Reece was a standout performer for Philander Smith, delivering a commanding performance with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks. His efficiency was marked by shooting an impressive 12 of 14 from the field. Amorey Womack also contributed significantly, scoring 21 points and adding 4 assists despite committing 5 turnovers.

For Wiley, Demarius Pitts led the scoring with 15 points, followed closely by Shamir Mosley, who also put up 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Wiley struggled with their shooting, finishing with a field goal percentage of 33.8%, and turned the ball over 15 times.

The game saw a few technical fouls, reflecting its intensity. Wiley's Jalen Bates and Devon Barshow, along with Philander Smith's De'Andre Lockett, each received technical fouls, adding to the game's drama.

Philander Smith's victory was characterized by their superior shooting efficiency (43.3%), and they managed to offset their 18 turnovers with a solid defensive effort, recording 7 blocks and 3 steals. Meanwhile, Wiley dominated the boards with a total of 50 rebounds compared to Philander Smith's 46 but failed to convert their second-chance opportunities, reflected in their lower shooting percentage.

In conclusion, this game highlighted the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams. Philander Smith's ability to perform under pressure during overtime and their efficient shooting ultimately made the difference in this thrilling contest.