Second Half Surge Lifts Wiley Wildcats Past Philander Smith

MARSHALL, Texas -- The Wiley College men's basketball team turned a competitive first half into a 90-70 rout over Philander Smith College Saturday at Alumni Gymnasium.

It was the Wildcats' first home game since November 14 as they improve to 2-1 at Alumni Gymnasium. Wiley College increased its series lead to 15-4 over Philander Smith. It led by as many as nine in the first half. The Panthers went on a 23-6 run to hold a 28-20 lead. The Wildcats retook the lead with a 10-0 run. Joshua Hamilton (JR/New Iberia, Louisiana) and Martavious Washington (JR/Shreveport, Louisiana) hit 3-pointers. Patrick Scipio (JR/Trinidad & Tobago) and Kevondric Davis (SR/Shreveport, LA) converted baskets to help Wiley hold a 40-35 advantage at halftime.

The Wildcats (5-3) opened the second half with a 13-3 run to take a 53-38 advantage. They hit 15 of 23 shots including 4 of 6 from 3-point territory. For the game, Wiley College hit 31 of 53 shots for a 58.5 shooting percentage. It held the Panthers to 35.7 shooting percentage.

"We went with a zone defense in the second half," head coach Jay Smith said. "The guys really got after it in the zone. Something we have been fussing about with the guys is playing defense for a full 40 minutes. The guys took it personally and really worked their tails off the last two days of practice."

Several contributed to Wiley College's victory as four scored in double figures. Hamilton led all players with 25. Kevondric Davis recorded a double-double and was three assists shy of a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

"I feel like I'm back," said Davis, who was honored for scoring 1,000 career points. "I still have a little pain. The Southern University game helped me regain my form."

Ashton DeMurrell (JR/Trinidad & Tobago) notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He also blocked two shots. Anthony Sharp II (SR/Dallas, Texas) contributed 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals off the bench.

The Wildcats will open Red River Athletic Conference play Wednesday with Jarvis Christian College. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

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