MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State switched to a zone defense in the second half on Friday afternoon against Cape Fear in the Senators Tip Off Classic and it proved to be the difference as the Senators took down the Sea Devils, 73-67. 

With the win, the Senators move to 2-0 on the season. 

"They're a very good basketball team," Walters State coach Bill Carlyle said. "They're quick and shoot the ball well. They take advantage of your players, and I thought they did a good job. The key for us was that we went to a zone and stopped the penetration as much as possible. We also were able to slow the transition down some."

The Senators were led by De'Marius Boyd, who had a monster game with 36 points on 11-17 shooting. Boyd had half of the Senators points at the half with 20 and was 9-11 from the free-throw line.

One year after averaging 23 points per game and being named a NJCAA Second Team All-American, Boyd appears to be picking up where he left off.

"Boyd had his usual night," Carlyle said. "If Boyd doesn't show up, I don't know where we would be." 

Along with Boyd, Isaiah Farrior added nine points off the bench while Josh Jerome had eight points and 10 rebounds. 

As a team, Walters State shot 48% from the field and 41% from 3-point range. Boyd hit five 3-pointers.

On the defensive end, the Senators held Cape Fear to 34.5% and 2-12 from the 3-point line in the second half. 

It was Cape Fear who came out strong to start the game as they built a 9-5 lead. However, Boyd started things up as he scored eight straight that gave the Senators a 13-9 lead. The lead grew to 19-10 just minutes later after Farrior scored four straight and Riley Cooper hit a jumper. 

After the run though, Cape Fear caught fire and tied the game up. The two teams battled from there with no-one giving an inch. Cape Fear would hit a shot at the halftime buzzer to lead 42-20 at the break.

In the second half, the Sea Devils were the team coming out firing and built an eight-point lead with 14:42 to go. Walters State would slowly begin to chip away until Farrior hit a 3-pointer that gave the Senators a 59-56 lead. 

Walters State would never give up the lead from there. The Senators built a 69-61 lead and held on for the hard-fought win.

"Our kids are young, but I think we will get there," Carlyle said. "I like what we've got. This is a big, big win for us because that team can play. Tomorrow will be more of the same." 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action tomorrow when they close out the Senators Tip Off Classic with a battle against Caldwell Community College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics