Spartanburg, S.C. - Southern Wesleyan defeated the King Tornado in a 92-77 final score on Saturday evening.

The Warriors shot 56.9% from the field in the win over King that would send them in the championship game. Ta'Jay Dunlap and Solomon Smith led the team with 22 points apeice and Clenzo Ross chipped in 15 and Jalen Lowery added 11 points. Cameron Holmes had three assists on the night and Dunlap, Ross, and TJ Harvin each collected steals. Southern Wesleyan posted 40 rebounds with Dunlap having nine and Smith following with seven. Five Warriors had blocks in the contest.

Game Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 92, King 77

Records: Southern Wesleyan (19-11 / CC 13-7) King (23-7 / CC 16-4)

Coach Pasqua Says...

"So proud of our team. They played incredibly hard and together."

How It Happened

Ta'Jay Dunlap would post the first basket of the semifinal match-up between the King Tornado and the Southern Wesleyan Warriors. However, The Tornado countered with a pair of free throws and a layup. Southern Wesleyan then jumped back on top with a 7-4 lead after Cameron Holmes knocked down a 3-pointer. The Warriors were able to limit the Tornado offense to very little production as they extended their lead to 24-6 on shots from Dunlap, Clenzo Ross, and Solomon Smith. A comfortable lead would be maintained throughout the entire first half for the Warriors. Smith and Dunlap led the way for the Warriors offensively and defensively and they were able to enter halftime with a dominating 53-18 lead over King.

The second half would begin identical to the first as Dunlap made a layup followed by a pair of free throws from Jordan Floyd of King. The Tornado began chipping away at the massive lead the Warriors had built, but the Warriors continued to press on. Southern Wesleyan would see a 30 plus lead after Dunlap drained his next 3-pointer. Floyd of the Tornado led his team out of the deep hole slowly but surely throughout the last half of the game. The Warriors would see production from a majority of the roster as the team posted 21 bench points. Southern Wesleyan went on to win the game 92-77 and would punch their ticket to the title game.

What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will face the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in the Conference Carolinas Championship title game on March 8 at 4 p.m. The game will be played in the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium at Wofford College. 

Tickets for each day are just $10 for adults. In addition, children 12-and-under are completely FREE. Seniors 60 and over and military will be able to attend for just $5, while faculty and staff of Conference Carolinas member institutions will be admitted for just $5. Students from Conference Carolinas institutions will be allowed to enter all games FREE with valid identification.