2024-25 Conference Tournament Champions

In an intense collegiate basketball matchup at Birthright Alumni Hall, Philander Smith (AR) secured a decisive 49-38 victory over Wiley (TX) on March 2, 2025. The game unfolded dramatically with a significant turnaround in the second quarter that set Philander Smith on a path to victory.

In the first quarter, both teams struggled offensively, with Wiley leading slightly at 8-4. However, Philander Smith responded with a compelling second quarter, outscoring Wiley 20-4, thanks to strong performances from their starters, particularly Sidney Townsend, who was pivotal with 17 points, shooting an impressive 8-12 from the field.

The third quarter saw both teams battling more evenly, with Philander Smith maintaining their lead by outscoring Wiley 14-10. The final quarter saw Wiley attempting a comeback, scoring 16 points to Philander Smith's 11, but it was not enough to close the gap.

Wiley struggled with their shooting throughout the game, managing only 29.4% overall and a mere 8.3% from the three-point line. Philander Smith's defense was instrumental, limiting Wiley's opportunities and capitalizing on turnovers. Jessica Nerestant was a standout performer for Wiley with a double-double, contributing 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Despite shooting only 30.2% from the field, Philander Smith's superior rebounding and solid free-throw performance (69.2%) helped secure their win. The combined efforts of the starters and reserves ensured that Philander Smith held on to their lead till the final buzzer.

This victory advances Philander Smith's record to 19-10, showcasing their resilience and endurance on the court. Wiley's record now stands at 15-13 after a hard-fought game that highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in shooting and ball handling, as they look to bounce back in their subsequent encounters.