Men's Basketball slip against Philander Smith

The Wiley University men's basketball team was unable to hold on to its second-half lead in a 71-62 loss to Philander Smith University in a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game Saturday at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Wildcats (7-9, 3-5 GCAC) drop to 3-4 at home with their second consecutive loss. Jalen Bates and Delor Johnson hit shots. Bobby Baker III made a layup while being fouled, to give Wiley a 43-34 lead with 13:09 left in the game. Wiley only made one field goal over the next four minutes. It missed three shots and came up empty at the free throw line. Philander Smith took advantage and took a 47-45 lead. Johnson tied the game with a jump shot. The Wildcats were unable to regain the lead. 

They made one basket in four minutes. This allowed the Panthers to take the lead for good. Devon Barshow pulled the Wildcats within one on a layup. They would only make one shot in the next two minutes.

Wiley was narrowly outshot 41.5 to 40 percent. Philander Smith had more opportunities at the free throw line - hitting 20 of 29 while the Wildcats made nine of 14 attempts. Wiley was dominated on the glass - giving up 48 rebounds, including 14 on offense. It only grabbed 28.

Johnson led the Wildcats with 12 points. He was the only Wildcat to score in double figures. Christian Beeke and Demarius Pitts followed with nine points. Baker put up a career-high eight points. Bates led the team with seven rebounds. Shamir Mosley recorded a team-high five assists.

The Wildcats will return to the court on Tuesday when it visits the GCAC leader Talladega College. They fell 70-63 at home against the Tornadoes on December 15.

For more coverage on the Wildcats visit Men's Basketball - Wiley University (wileyathletics.com)

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