Philander Smith Triumphs Over Central Baptist in High-Scoring Matchup

Mims Gym, November 25, 2025 — In an exciting and high-energy college basketball showdown, Philander Smith secured a 78-68 victory over Central Baptist College on Tuesday night at Mims Gym. The game was marked by standout individual performances and a collective team effort that saw the Panthers maintain control throughout, despite a strong challenge from Central Baptist.

First Half Insights: Reece Leads the Charge

The opening half set the stage for what would become an intense back-and-forth battle. Philander Smith University established a modest 34-28 lead by halftime, with Raymond Reece dominating the floor. The senior forward was a force both offensively and defensively, scoring 17 points in the first half while also hauling in 10 rebounds. His scoring, combined with strategic passing from Kesean Washington and Elijah Anderson, gave Philander Smith a steady edge as they weathered a resilient push from Central Baptist College.

Defensively, the Panthers were able to disrupt Central Baptist's offensive flow, particularly in the paint. Despite being closely contested, Philander Smith's solid defense and rebounding (22 boards in the first half) helped them control possession and limit second-chance opportunities for Central Baptist.

Key Performances and Statistics: Reece's Dominance

Raymond Reece's performance was nothing short of spectacular. The 6'7" forward finished the game with a career-high 35 points, shooting an efficient 75% from the field (15-of-20). His 18 rebounds were pivotal in securing extra possessions and ensuring that the Panthers capitalized on nearly every opportunity. Reece's dominance in both scoring and rebounding made him the undisputed star of the night, and he was crucial in keeping Philander Smith on top throughout the game.

Kesean Washington and Elijah Anderson provided solid support, contributing 10 and 11 points, respectively. Washington's playmaking and defensive efforts were critical, while Anderson's scoring helped stretch Central Baptist's defense, keeping the offense balanced and unpredictable.

For Central Baptist College, Jason Hunt was the standout performer, finishing with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Hunt's aggressive driving and mid-range shooting kept his team in the game. Dalton Alexander III also played a significant role, scoring 15 points and pulling down 8 rebounds. However, the team's efforts were hampered by turnovers, as Central Baptist committed 18, leading to easy points for Philander Smith and stalling their offensive momentum.

Second Half Dynamics: Maintaining Control

The second half saw Philander Smith University continue to assert their dominance. Though Central Baptist College mounted a strong push, outscoring the Panthers 40-44 in the final 20 minutes, Philander Smith's lead remained secure. Reece continued to excel, scoring another 18 points after the break and pulling down 8 more rebounds. His consistent contributions in the second half were the key to maintaining a comfortable lead, especially as Central Baptist attempted to close the gap with a series of runs.

Despite a solid effort from Central Baptist, including 15 points from Hunt in the second half, the Panthers' defense held firm. Philander Smith's ability to generate fast-break points off turnovers and control the tempo of the game helped them stave off any potential comeback. Central Baptist's shooting struggles, particularly from beyond the arc (where they shot just 26.3%), hindered their ability to mount a consistent offensive attack.

Team Comparisons: Efficiency and Free Throws Matter

While both teams were strong on the boards, each collecting 38 rebounds, Philander Smith University held a slight edge in shooting efficiency. The Panthers shot 46.2% from the field, compared to 42.1% for Central Baptist. A key factor in the outcome was free-throw shooting, where Philander Smith converted 65% of their attempts (13-20) compared to Central Baptist's 59.1% (13-22). The Panthers' superior shooting performance, especially in the second half, was critical to their ability to maintain a lead.

The game was relatively clean, with only a single technical foul called on Central Baptist (against Jason Hunt and the team), which did not significantly impact the flow of the game.

Conclusion: Reece's Heroics and Team Effort Secure the Win

Philander Smith University's 78-68 victory was a testament to their offensive firepower, solid team defense, and Raymond Reece's dominant performance. The Panthers proved they could overcome pressure, executing in crucial moments and maintaining their lead despite Central Baptist College's spirited efforts. Reece's 35-point, 18-rebound performance is one of the standout individual efforts of the season, and it helped propel his team to a comfortable win.