Box Score Central, S.C. – Southern Wesleyan came out on top with a dramatic conference win against North Greenville University in a final score of 63-60.
Darius Sharpe led the team in scoring with 27 points in the win. He was followed by Jeremy Wert (13). Southern Wesleyan posted a field goal percentage of 28.6% while North Greenville posted one of 33.3%. There were eight assists made by the Warriors. De'Quan Weldon led with three.
Wert posted 12 rebounds in the victory. Followed by McCullough, Kevin Stamps, and Zalan Richards with six rebounds apiece. The Warriors made 50 rebounds as a team in the win compared to the 28 rebounds by the Crusaders. Stamps led with four blocks against the Crusaders.
Darrian Brown led the team with two steals while the Warriors had 13 total turnovers in the contest.
Game Vitals
Final: Southern Wesleyan 63, North Greenville 60
Records: Southern Wesleyan (3-15/CC 2-8), North Greenville (6-11/CC 1-9)
Coach Wimphrie Says…
"I'm very proud of the guys tonight. They brought the kind of mental approach I've been anticipating all year. We played great defense with few missed assignments. Offensively we didn't shoot the ball well, but we limited our mistakes with only 13 turnovers. Our defense deserves the credit for the win."
How It Happened
North Greenville struck first in the conference matchup on Saturday evening. The Crusaders lengthened their lead quickly taking an early 8-0 lead before Darius Sharpe made a 3-pointer to put the Warriors on the board. With shots from Sharpe, Jeremy Wert, and Zalan Richards, the Warriors were able to come within one at 10-9. With a 3-pointer from Wert and free throws and a layup from Jemiah Wimphrie the Warriors took the lead 19-16. Shots from Daniel Burchette and Tyland Crawford put North Greenville up 24-21. They rallied to finish the first half up 30-24.
The Warriors jumped out quick in the second half with a dunk from Kevin Stamps, a layup from Justice McCullough and a layup, 3-pointer, and free throw from Sharpe to take the lead 34-30. Both teams fought and rallied back and forth, the lead stretching no more than 5 points. With a minute to go, Miguel Cartagena made a 3-pointer to lead 58-56, however McCullough responded with a layup. Cartagena made a free throw to tie it at 60-60. At the buzzer, Sharpe drained a 3-pointer to win the game for Southern Wesleyan 63-60.
What's Next
The Warriors will return to Historic Tysinger Gymnasium on Tuesday, January 24 to take on Pfeiffer at 7:30 p.m. They will remain at home to take on Mount Olive on January 27 and Barton on January 28.
