In a matchup of the two top teams in the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), the Tougaloo Bulldogs came out on top with a decisive 72-54 win over the Philander Smith Panthers.
Tougaloo hands Philander Smith its first conference loss of the season, bringing both teams to a tie at the top of the HBCUAC with dual 6-1 conference records.
This serves as revenge for the Bulldogs after having lost in their conference opener against Philander Smith on November 20.
Tougaloo guard Willie Anderson came off the bench to contribute a team-high 16 points while also grabbing six rebounds. Tyler Hudson led the starting unit with 15 points on 63% shooting.
Team leader Antonio Patterson filled the stat sheet, recording 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists, completing a full line with a steal and a block.
Philander Smith guard Jaxon Hampton led all scorers with 23 points, knocking down three three-point baskets.
Reigning HBCUAC Offensive Player of the Week Raymond Reece was limited to eight points and seven rebounds, marking just the second time this season he did not score in double figures.
This game was a tale of two halves, with the first half playing out as a highly competitive shootout, filled with seven lead changes and six ties.
Led by Reece, Philander Smith made its imprint in the paint early by crashing the glass, leading to second-chance opportunities.
However, Tougaloo’s swarming defense forced Philander Smith to make a living on perimeter shots, which played into the Bulldogs’ hands.
While the Panthers would get opportunities to convert at the free-throw line on aggressive drives into the lane, they were mostly forced into tough shots, causing a significant drop from shooting 36% in the first half to 27% in the second.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ efficiency remained steady as the game continued, leading to a second-half run in which they built a lead that grew as large as 22 points.
In addition to inefficient shooting, foul trouble also prevented an opportunity for a close game down the stretch, with three different Philander Smith players committing four fouls.
