Philander Survives And Advances To The Semifinal

In a clash of collegiate titans on this rare February 29th, 2024, in Birthright Alumni Hall, Tuscaloosa, Ala., it was Philander Smith College who seized the spotlight with a commanding 86-53 triumph over Wiley University.

The hardwood battle was nothing short of electrifying as Philander Smith showcased their prowess with an impressive shooting display. Sporting a formidable 46.3% field goal conversion rate along with a scorching 41.4% from downtown, the Lady Panthers left no doubt about their offensive capabilities.

Leading the charge for Philander Smith was the indomitable Myia Yelder, who poured in 23 points, lighting up the scoreboard with a dazzling 6-of-11 performance from beyond the arc. Adding to the onslaught was Elaijha Brown, whose well-rounded game saw her tally 13 points coupled with 7 assists, further bolstering Philander Smith's dominance on the court.

Meanwhile, Wiley University found themselves struggling to establish a rhythm on the offensive end, mustering a mere 31.1% shooting accuracy from the field, including a paltry 19.2% from three-point territory. Despite the valiant efforts of Kiersten Harris, who led Wiley's scoring efforts with 11 points, and Jay'lann Myles contributing 13 points, they were unable to thwart Philander Smith's relentless offensive onslaught.

Officiated under the watchful eyes of Bernard Seymour, Courtney Walker, and Theodius Tidwell, the contest drew a crowd of 175 spectators, all eager witnesses to the unfolding drama on the court.

In the end, it was Philander Smith's unwavering determination and clinical execution that paved the way for their resounding victory. With an eye-popping 12-of-29 mark from downtown, the Lady Panthers showcased their long-range proficiency, setting the stage for a triumphant march into the semifinals on Saturday, March 2nd.

As Philander Smith looks ahead to the next challenge, the Lady Panthers will eagerly await the outcome of the #3 Fisk versus #6 Talladega clash, poised to continue their quest for collegiate basketball glory.