Lady Panthers Send Wiley Home with An L

In an exciting basketball showdown on January 13, 2025, Philander Smith narrowly defeated Wiley with a final score of 68-62 at Mims Gymnasium. The game, which attracted 250 spectators, was marked by impressive performances and strategic plays, showcasing the skills and resilience of both teams.

From the outset, Philander Smith established a lead, closing the first quarter with a 13-8 advantage. By halftime, they had extended their lead to 31-20, thanks to their strong defensive play and effective shooting. However, Wiley was not to be easily dismissed. They mounted a significant comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Philander Smith 20-14, to narrow the gap to 45-40.

Despite Wiley's efforts, Philander Smith managed to hold onto their lead in the fourth quarter, fueled by key plays and a crucial scoring drive that saw both teams scoring over 20 points in the final segment. The home team ultimately secured the victory with a six-point margin.

Philander Smith's Dasia Turner was a standout performer, commanding the boards with 14 rebounds and contributing 14 points. Miracle Thomas and Omoiye Jordan also played pivotal roles, each adding 12 points to the team's victory. Ashlyn Kimble's defensive prowess was noted with four steals, emphasizing the team's collective effort.

For Wiley, Jessica Nerestant and Celebrai Peacock each scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Mya Jones dominated in rebounding with 11 boards. Despite their valiant effort and a late-game surge, Wiley was unable to overcome their early deficit.

The statistical analysis reveals that Philander Smith excelled in free throws, making 65.7% of their attempts, compared to Wiley's 72.2%. Both teams struggled with three-point conversions, with Wiley hitting 23.8% and Philander Smith 26.3%. Notably, Wiley committed 18 turnovers to Philander Smith's 12, which significantly impacted the game's outcome.

Overall, the game was a testament to both teams' tenacity and skill, with Philander Smith emerging victorious in a hard-fought contest.