Wiley Wildcats Rally in Final Minutes to Top Concordia-Austin

George Page scored 33 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Courtesy: Wiley College Sports Information

AUSTIN, Texas – The Wiley College men's basketball team found itself on the ropes but found a way to rally in the last two minutes for a 101-96 victory over Concordia University-Austin Saturday.

The Wildcats (8-1) led by eight at halftime but allowed it to slip away in less than five minutes. Wiley College trailed by as many as 10 with 3:12 left in the game. Ricardo Artis (SR/Austin, Texas) took advantage of a second chance opportunity and hit a 3-pointer. A minute later, Kevondric Davis (JR/Shreveport, LA) hit a three-pointer to cut the lead in half. Cory Jones (SR/Houston, Texas) stole the in-bounds pass and dished it to Artis, who easily converted a layup and cut Concordia's lead to 94-93.

"Davis is a starter, and he has the ability to spark a run and defend practically anyone with his athleticism," head coach Jameus Hartsfield said. "I'm just happy he played through the foul trouble and hit a clutch 3-pointer."

After the Tornados converted a layup, Jones found George Page (SR/Winnfield, LA), who put up a layup. Jones took advantage of a Concordia-Austin turnover and gave the Wildcats a 97-96 lead on a layup with 25 seconds remaining. Davis got a steal and converted a layup to expand Wiley College's lead. The Tornados' 3-point attempt was off the mark and Page grabbed the rebound with four seconds left. He was immediately fouled and converted both free throws.

"Our guys were determined to get the job done," Hartsfield said. "I'm proud of how hard they fought to get a win."

The Wildcats went on an 11-0 run to take a 46-34 lead with 2:56 left in the first half. Artis scored nine points during the run. Wiley College took a 54-46 lead into the halftime locker room. The Wildcats made 36 of 61 field goal attempts for a 59 shooting percentage. Wiley made 26 of 34 free throw attempts.

Page led all scorers with 33 points – hitting 12 of his 14 field goal attempts. He was the Wildcats' top rebounder with eight. Artis contributed 14 points, three rebounds and two steals. Jones was also in double figures with 12 points, three steals and two assists.

Wiley College will begin Red River Athletic Conference play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Jarvis Christian College.

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WILEY COLLEGE OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION