Franklin Springs, GA - The Southern Wesleyan University Warriors were defeated by the Anderson Trojans at the Conference Carolinas/South Atlantic Conference Crossover Challenge in the opening game of the 2024-25 Season.
The Warriors were led in scoring by Christopher Osobaye with 20 points, followed by RJ Bell with 19 and Che Smith with 10. Smith put up a team-high 3 assists while Aaron Tims was tops with 10 rebounds. As a team, SWU shot 27-65 (41.5%) from the field, 3-13 (23.1%) from behind the arc, and 16-22 (72.7%) from the free throw line.
Game Vitals:
Final: Southern Wesleyan University 73, Anderson University 83
Records: Southern Wesleyan University (0-1), Anderson University (1-0)
How It Happened:
The first five on the floor this season for the Warriors were Che Smith, Eric Hackett, Ceejay Jordan, Christopher Osobaye, and Aaron Tims. It was Tims' persistence that paid off to get the first bucket of the year, finishing on the third opportunity to open the scoring for SWU. Although the Warriors had early success getting the ball into the paint through Smith's drives, the Trojans' offense had more success in the opening stages as they went on a 6-0 run to take a 14-3 lead at the first media timeout. Despite some struggles to knock down shots, SWU did show good signs in crashing the glass - particularly on the offensive end - which was a major area for improvement from last season. Guards RJ Bell and Bobby Taylor helped steady the ship with strong minutes off the bench, while Marcus Long hit a rare three for the team which opened up 1 of their first 10 from behind the arc. A strong finish from Osobaye on the next possession cut the lead down to 3, as close as it had been since the first few minutes. Anderson then finished the half on an 11-2 run holding the Warriors scoreless for the final 2 1/2 minutes of the half to take a 40-27 lead into the locker room.
Bell started the second half in the backcourt alongside Smith and he made some more key plays early in the next period including a nice up-and-under finish to cut the lead down to 11 at the first media timeout. Osobaye also continued his success in finding driving lanes and finishing in the paint. This pair looks to be key additions for Coach Stites' squad this season, and were probably the two biggest bright spots in the first game of the year. The Trojans returned with a run of their own a few minutes later, pushing the lead up to 20 just before the under eight timeout. The Warriors adjusted to that run, switching to a 2-3 Zone that provided them with some success on the defensive end of the floor. SWU had a chance to make this one a game down the stretch, but a pair of missed box-outs leading to easy Trojan tip-ins sand-whiched in between a pair of threes from Bell really killed their momentum. Raevon Allen had a nice play down the stretch to cut the lead into single digits, forcing a steal and finishing through a foul with under 30 seconds to play. However, it was too little too late and the Warriors were defeated at the hands of the Trojans.
What's Next:
The Warriors take on Newberry in their second game of the Conference Carolinas/South Atlantic Conference tomorrow at 12:00, followed by a matchup with Limestone University on Wednesday, November 13th. The Home Opener will be Saturday, November 16th as the Warriors play host to Toccoa Falls.
