MORRISTOWN, TN – Defense was the name of the game for Walters State in the second half against Tusculum JV on Monday evening as the Senators held the Pioneers to just 22 second half points in a 117-52 win.

With the win, Walters State moved to 2-0 on the season. 

"The message was to guard," Walters State coach Jerry Nichols said. "It's really that simple. You need to go guard and do the small things. Right now we're just trying to do the right things all the time. And that's every team in the country right now. Just figuring out how to do the right things every day. The small things win games. That's been our staple in regards to every day. In the second half, we did that and if we continue to do that good things will happen." 

Seven players scored in double figures for Walters State in the game. The Senators shot 58% from the field, going 42-72, and assisted on 27 baskets. The Senators had 60 rebounds and forced 21 turnovers. 

"It's definitely good to see," Nichols said about the seven in double figures. "It's hard because it takes a special individual to understand that it's not just about them but the team. I'm hoping we have a different guy every game average double figures. If you have a team with seven guys averaging double figures, it's scary. It's hard to scout a team playing like that. I'm definitely excited about that. We're going to keep harping on sharing the ball." 

Micah Simpson led the way for Walters State in the game with 20 points and six rebounds. Simpson's ability to shoot is no secret but his ability to cut to the basket was on full display Monday evening. 

"He did some great things," Nichols said. "We need guys to get to the rim. The more pressure we can put on the rim, the better we are. I think anytime you can get in the paint and spray it out or get to the hoop, it gives us a chance to make free throws and the percentages of scoring goes up." 

Along with Simpson, Chi Shannon had 14 points and five rebounds. Other contributors included Ramondo Battle with 12 points and eight rebounds, Greg Moore with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists, Malachi Hale with 12 points and six rebounds, Charvez Ambrose with 11 points and three blocks, Jaylen Wharton with eight points and nine rebounds, Jair Horton with eight points and seven rebounds, Jaylon Taylor with 10 points, JR Jacobs with four points and eight assists, Jamar Livingston with four points and three rebounds, Carter Metz with six assists and Nathan Beasley with two points.

Defensively for Walters State, the Senators held Tusculum to 22% from the field. 

It was a slower start to the game for Walters State as Tusculum JV hung around until a push in the final eight minutes of the half gave Walters State a 62-30 edge. Simpson had 13 points on 6-7 shooting in the half, while Battle had eight points and five rebounds and Ambrose, Taylor and Horton each had eight points. 

Walters State shot 57% in the opening 20 minutes and held Tusculum to just eight made field goals. 

In the second half, the defense really kicked into gear with 14 forced turnovers and held Tusculum to just six made field goals. Walters State scored 55 more points in the final 20 minutes as they shot 60%. Shannon had 12 points, while Moore and Hale had 10 each.

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action on Saturday as they host Spartanburg Methodist. Tip is set for 4 p.m. 

"Spartanburg Methodist is a tough team," Nichols said. "Offensive rebounding is going to be a big thing for us. They have some strong guys on the inside. And then we just need to play together. Playing the right way and getting in the paint, playing off two feet, sharing the basketball and making the right read. I'm harping on that it doesn't matter who scored. What matters is the w." 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics