Senators drop first contest of the season to Motlow State in overtime

MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State got off to a slow start, made a great second half comeback but fell just short in overtime on Wednesday evening against Motlow State, falling 95-89. 

With the loss, Walters State dropped to 12-1 on the season and 3-1 in TCCAA play. 

Walters State led by eight with two minutes to go in regulation, but Motlow State hit eight free throws late to send the game to overtime. In overtime, the Senators took an early lead, but Motlow State scored five straight and held on for the win.

"We didn't execute and play well," Walters State coach Jerry Nichols said. "We came out in the second half and had our moments. We had the game won at the end of regulation, but we didn't make plays and execute. We just didn't do the things we needed to do to win the game. Motlow played extremely hard, and I give them a lot of credit for changing defense. Despite all the factors though, I thought our guys put up a good enough fight to win the game. We have to get better, and we will." 

For Walters State, Micah Simpson led the way in the scoring column with 24 points. Along with Simpson, Greg Moore had 15 points and JR Jacobs had 13 points.

Other scorers for Walters State included Charvez Ambrose with nine points, Jamar Livingston with eight points, Jaylon Taylor with six points, Jaylen Wharton with six points, Carter Metz with four points, Chi Shannon with two points and Malachi Hale with two points. 

It was a slow start to the game for Walters State as Motlow got up 10-2 six minutes into the game. Greg Moore got the Senators back on the scoreboard with three free throws, but six free throws by Motlow State following Ramondo Battle's ejection gave the Bucks an 18-5. 

From there, the Senators played catch up. Trailing by 15 with just over eight minutes to go, Jacobs scored five straight while Wharton added a couple free throws that made it 29-21. Motlow built the lead back to double digits, but Walters State ended the half strong and trailed 47-41 going into the break.

In the first half, Simpson had 12 points, while Moore knocked in seven free throws. Jacobs also hit two 3-pointers and knocked in two free throws in the opening 20 minutes. 

The comeback continued to start the second half, as Walters State scored the first 13 points to take a commanding 54-47 lead. During the run, Simpson made a layup and knocked in two three's. Ambrose also drained a three, while Livingston scored. 

"We made an adjustment in regards to how we attacked their zone and obviously I thought it worked," Nichols said. 

Motlow would respond with five quick points and then tied the game at 56 and 58. However, the Senators answered as Moore and Ambrose both hit 3-pointers. The Senators continued to hold onto the lead and, with 4:30 to go, scored seven straight to go up 83-75 with 2:55 to go. Livingston hit a three during that run, while Wharton and Jacobs each scored. 

Unfortunately for Walters State, Motlow found their way to the free throw line time and time again in the final two minutes and tied the game at 83 with six seconds left. The Bucks had a chance to take the lead but a free throw was off. Walters State got the rebound, but Ambrose missed a tough three and the game went to overtime.

In overtime, Simpson hit two free throws to start but Motlow scored five straight and were off from there to grab the win. 

"You're up seven with a minute and change left, you have to win the game," Nichols said. "I'll take the full blame as to why we didn't pull it out and make the plays we needed to make. We'll learn from it and hopefully we get better from it."

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action on Saturday, traveling to Southwest Tennessee. Tip is set for 5 p.m. ET.

"Southwest is a tough team," Nichols said. "They're long and athletic and play you physically. I expect a tough, hard-nosed game. We just have to be better." 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics