The Southern Wesleyan University Warriors and the Erskine Flying Fleet faced of Saturday evening in Central, SC. This was the Warriors home opener this season and inaugural Division II opening home game as well. They were able to pull out a 71-69 statement win.

A layup by Miles Perdue allowed Erskine College to take an early lead.  SWU countered with three point shots by Kevin Stamps and Weldon to keep the game tight. De'Quan Weldon came up big off the bench for the Warriors with 11 points in the first half, 9 coming via three-pointers. A lot of hustle plays were shown by Darrian Brown and Daryl Myers in the first half to get the ball across the court for the Warriors. After the first 20 minutes had passed, the Warriors were only down by one with a score of 35-34.

Erskine lengthened their lead to 38-34 early in the second half on a three point jump shot by Brannon Dark.  Darius Sharpe took over down the stretch for the Warriors, hitting four three-point shots in the second half, giving him a three-point field goal percentage of 0.40.  A 3-point jump shot by Daryl Myers gave the Warriors a 49-46.  That lead was lengthened on a jump shot by JT Noellert.  In an exciting last three minutes of play, Kevin Stamps sunk a three-point jump shot and Justice McCullough made a layup to bring the game to 70-61.  Despite, putting eight additional points on the board, the Flying Fleet could not pull ahead and the Warriors took the game 71-69.

Four Warriors reached double digits in points with Darius Sharpe leading the way with 25 points.  He is followed by Kevin Stamps (12), De'Quan Weldon (11) and Daryl Myers (11).  Stamps led the team in rebounds with 8 and also led the team with 3 blocks.  Jeremy Wert, Daryl Myers, Darrian Brown each record a steal in the conteset.

"This was a team win tonight. I am very proud of the effort on the defensive end," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Charles Wimphrie.  He continued, "We had numerous key stops which lead to our fast break.  Offensively, we played together and limited the mistakes that have been hurting us in previous games." 

The Warriors record becomes 2-5 and 1-1 in Conference Carolina action with the win.  The Erskine College Flying Fleet are now 3-5 and 1-2 in conference play.  The Warriors will take the next week to prepare for their next conference match-up on Saturday, December 10 at 4 p.m.  This will be their last home match until January.