Murfreesboro, N.C. - Southern Wesleyan fell to the Chowan Hawks in a 68-55 final on Saturday afternoon.

The Warriors shot 33.9% from the field in the loss. Solomon Smith led the team with 12 points and he was followed by Clenzo Ross with nine and Ta'Jay Dunlap with eight. Five Warriors had assists and Edwon Brady had two of the four steals. The team had 32 rebounds with Smith leading the team with nine. Smith, Hunter Davis, and Tranard Ferrell each had one block. 

Game Vitals

Final: Chowan 68, Southern Wesleyan 55

Records: Southern Wesleyan (11-9 / CC 7-5) Chowan (8-9 / CC 5-7)

How It Happened

Chowan would strike first in the contest on Saturday, but the Warriors would counter with a 3-pointer from Cameron Holmes. The Hawks extended their lead before Southern Wesleyan would tie it at 10-10 with a 3-pointer from Clenzo Ross. The Warriors would add on a few points with free throws from Ross and Hunter Davis to cut the Hawks lead to 15-13. The Hawks were able to take a 25-13 lead, giving them the biggest lead of the game so far. The Warriors would threaten that lead as they were able to pull within five on shots from TJ Harvin and Edwon Brady. However, Chowan would lead 38-26 at the half.

Ta'Jay Dunlap would score the first three points of the second half, cutting the Hawks lead to eight and trailing 30-38. The Warriors defense picked up out of the halftime break, limiting the Hawks from the field and forcing two early turnovers. The Hawks continued to hold the lead as Southern Wesleyan tried to chip away at the lead with shots from Brady, Holmes, and Tranard Ferrell. Brady would knock down another 3-pointer to put the Warriors down, 49-59 with under five minutes to go in regulation time. Solomon Smith would come up with back-to-back layups that would give him double-digits in scoring for the Warriors. Chowan would make the next basket and they would go on to win the game, 68-55. 

What's Next

Southern Wesleyan returns home on January 29 to take on the Emmanuel Lions at 7:30 p.m. They will remain at home on February 1 when they play the Limestone Saints at 4 p.m.