Wilson, N.C. - Southern Wesleyan defeated the Barton Bulldogs in an 83-73 final on Saturday afternoon.

The Warriors shot 50.9% from the field in the win against the Bulldogs. Ta'Jay Dunlap led the team with 22 points and he was followed by Clenzo Ross with 20 points. Solomon Smith contributed 14 points and Hunter Davis added 12. Fifteen assists were dished out as Dunlap and Tranard Ferrell led with three apiece. Smith had three steals and two blocks as he led the team defensively. With 11 rebounds, Smith would have a double-double on the day as the team had 36 total rebounds. 

Game Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 83, Barton 73

Records: Southern Wesleyan (16-11 / CC 12-7) Barton (13-14 / CC 11-9)

Coach Pasqua Says...

"Very proud of our team. We stuck together in a tough environment and found a way to win."

How It Happened

Barton would strike first in the contest on Saturday afternoon, but Ta'Jay Dunlap would counter with five straight points to tie it quickly at 5-5. Southern Wesleyan took their first lead with Clenzo Ross' 3-pointer. The Bulldogs tied it and regained a small lead before Southern Wesleyan could stretch their momentum to put them ahead 18-14 with shots from TJ Harvin and Solomon Smith. The Warriors extended their lead by 12 as they took a 26-14 lead on a dunk from Ross. The Bulldogs pulled within five, but the Warriors held a 37-32 lead at halftime as Tranard Ferrell, Hunter Davis, and Dunlap knocked down three 3-point shots in the last three minutes. 

Smith made the first layup of the second half and the Warriors would extend their lead to 52-44 as Ross and Dunlap would take advantage of the Warriors possessions. Southern Wesleyan continued to pressure the Bulldogs and held control of a majority of the latter part of the contest. Isaiah Reddish of Barton would pull his team within eight points headed into the final five minutes of play. The Warriors regained a comfortable 12 point lead and sealed the win with five pairs of free throws in the final minutes to take the game 83-73.

What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will conclude the regular season on February 25 as they host the Erskine Flying Fleet for Senior Night at 7:30 p.m. Check in with swuathletics.com for Conference Carolinas Championship tournament updates. Games are TBD at this time.