Philander Smith Triumphs Over Stillman in Dynamic Clash

March 1, 2025, Tuscaloosa, AL — In an intense college basketball matchup, the Philander Smith Panthers solidified their standing with a 79-69 victory over Stillman. The game, played at Stillman's home court, began at 5:00 PM and drew considerable anticipation as both teams looked to advance their standing in the season.

Philander Smith, coming into the game with a 22-8 record, showcased their prowess early on. The Panthers took an 11-point lead in the first half, ending it with a score of 40-29. Stillman, standing at 18-11, attempted a comeback with a stronger second half, scoring 40 points to Philander Smith's 39, but it wasn't enough to close the initial gap.

The Panthers' offense was spearheaded by Raymond Reece, who delivered an impressive 22 points, hitting 9 of his 14 field goal attempts. Dakhari Lewis also made notable contributions off the bench, securing a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, adding depth to Philander Smith's gameplay.

Xavier Alexander's presence was felt largely under the basket, pulling down a remarkable 11 rebounds. Amorey Womack added a balanced performance with 17 points and 4 assists, showcasing his dual-threat capability. The team's collective shooting accuracy stood at 45.8%, with free throws contributing a solid 74.1% success rate.

Stillman fought valiantly, with Jeremiah Miller emerging as their top scorer with 19 points, proving a consistent scorer from the bench. Calvin Finch Jr. and Jaylon Taylor added 18 and 8 points respectively, but the team struggled to sustain offensive momentum, shooting just 38.3% from the field.

The Tigers showed promise with a 42.1% success rate from beyond the arc, yet their struggles from the free-throw line—hitting only 53.6%—stifled crucial opportunities for a closer contest. Despite their efforts, Stillman's 29 total rebounds paled in comparison to Philander Smith's 50, highlighting a significant advantage in boards that the Panthers fully exploited.

No technical fouls were called during the game, allowing for a fluid and competitive atmosphere throughout. The officiating crew, led by T. Walls, S. Stroud, and C. May, maintained a steady oversight that kept the game moving at a lively pace.

Philander Smith's victory reinforces their strong season profile, while Stillman will aim to regroup and refine their strategies as they continue through the competitive landscape. Both teams displayed commendable effort, culminating in a memorable matchup for fans and players alike.