Philander Smith Edges Out Rust College in a Thrilling Match

October 29, 2025 – Mims Gymnasium- The Philander Smith Panthers delivered a hard-fought victory on the road Wednesday night, defeating Rust College 70–65 in an intense, back-and-forth battle that kept fans on their feet until the final buzzer.

After falling behind 16–13 in the opening quarter, the Panthers regrouped and found their rhythm, outscoring Rust 17–13 in the second to take a narrow 30–29 lead into halftime. The second half remained tightly contested, but Philander Smith showed poise and focus down the stretch, closing out the game strong to secure the five-point win.

Ashlyn Kimble led the Panthers with 19 points, going an impressive 8-for-10 from the free-throw line. Miracle Thomas added 14 points, while Siaderiel Oliver turned in a dominant performance inside with a double-double — 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Panthers capitalized on their defensive pressure, forcing 25 Rust College turnovers while committing only 13 themselves. Philander Smith also shot 73.9% from the free-throw line, demonstrating strong execution in key moments.

Head Coach [Coach's Name] praised the team's composure and teamwork, saying, "We stayed locked in when it mattered most. Our players trusted each other, and that made the difference tonight."

The win marks another strong showing for the Panthers early in the season as they continue to build momentum and confidence heading into their next matchup.

Final Score: Philander Smith 70, Rust College 65