Philander Smith Triumphs Over Oakwood in Thrilling 73-64 Showdown

Little Rock, AR - January 26, 2024

In a clash that lived up to its pre-game hype, Philander Smith emerged victorious with a hard-fought 73-64 win against Oakwood in a pulsating basketball encounter at Mims Gymnasium. The showdown, witnessed by a fervent crowd of 255 fans, showcased the determination and resilience of both teams, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The first half of the game saw Philander Smith seizing control with a 40-30 lead. The team showcased a potent offense, shooting at a 37.7% clip from the field. Their three-point game was on point, sinking 5 shots out of 17 attempts, while their free-throw proficiency was commendable, converting 55.0% of their attempts.

Oakwood, on the other hand, struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the opening half. With a field goal percentage of 36.5%, their three-point attempts fell short, managing only 4 successes out of 28. Despite these challenges, their free-throw shooting stood out, registering a 60.9% success rate.

As the game progressed to the second half, Oakwood fought valiantly to close the point gap, outscoring Philander Smith 34-33. Despite their efforts, Philander Smith's staunch defense held firm. The team's rebounding prowess and shot-blocking abilities were on full display, securing them a total of 38 rebounds, compared to Oakwood's 34, and recording 5 crucial blocks.

Player performances added an extra layer of excitement to the game. Oakwood's Jaywill Thornton led his team in scoring with 17 points, showcasing his skills with 7 rebounds. Judelin Prophete contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in a well-rounded effort.

For Philander Smith, Raymond Reece emerged as the leading scorer of the game with 19 points. Reece also demonstrated his dominance on the boards, securing 8 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive end. David Kellah played a pivotal role with 12 points, 2 rebounds, and a team-high 4 assists.

In the end, Philander Smith's effective defense and potent offensive display proved to be the difference-maker in this tightly contested matchup. The victory stands as a testament to the team's resilience and skill, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.