KNOXVILLE, TN – Walters State put together potentially their best defensive performance of the season on Wednesday evening, easing to a 68-48 win over Pellissippi State.
With the victory, the Senators improved to 8-6 overall and 3-3 in TCCAA play.
The Senators fell behind 12-4 five minutes into the game but allowed just 10 points in the remaining 15 minutes of the half to grab a 12-point lead at the break. The defense continued in the second half, allowing the Panthers to score just 26 points in the final 20 minutes.
It was a balanced scoring effort for Walters State in the game, with Aiden Goins scoring 21 points. Anthony Davis Jr. and Alex Garcia both finished in double figures as well, Davis Jr. with 15 points and Garcia with 12.
Other scorers for Walters State included Da'Mori Lytch with seven points, Malaki Brooks with seven points, Elijah Clinton with four points and Charvez Ambrose with two points.
Pellissippi started hot, going up 12-4 in the first five minutes. The Senators cut it to two as Lytch scored and Davis Jr. scored four quick points, and tied the game at 17 minutes later after Davis Jr. scored five more points. The Senators had the lead on a basket by Goins, and Brooks scored to make it 21-17.
Pellissippi State stopped the bleeding briefly with a three, but Walters State exploded for a 12-0 run in the final seven minutes of the half. During the run, Garcia scored, Ambrose scored, Brooks and Goins hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Davis Jr. knocked in two free throws. Pellissippi scored right before the half, but the Senators led 34-22 at the break.
In the second half, Walters State quickly got the lead to 18 on seven points by Goins and a basket by Garcia. The lead stayed at 19 for the majority of the half, and got to 21 when Goins hit a three and Garcia scored again. Pellissippi made one final push, getting the advantage down to 16, but Davis Jr. scored, Garcia hit a trey and Brooks knocked in two free throws that got the lead to 62-39. From there, the Senators went on for the win.
In the final 20 minutes, Goins had 14 points while Garcia added nine.
Up Next:
Walters State will be back in action next Wednesday, hosting Motlow State at 7:30 pm.
