MEMPHIS, Tenn. — LeMoyne-Owen College returned from its latest road swing with a balanced one and one record, but the journey told a far richer story than the split alone suggests. Tested by adversity and fueled by resilience, the Magicians endured a challenging night against Edward Waters University before delivering a statement victory over conference leader Morehouse College in dramatic fashion.
The trip opened with a 68 to 49 setback against Edward Waters. While the final score reflected a difficult offensive outing, the Magicians competed with intensity and showcased their defensive potential throughout the contest. Their aggressive ball pressure disrupted the Tigers from the opening tip, forcing 27 turnovers and producing 15 steals. Time and again, LeMoyne Owen jumped passing lanes and created opportunities with relentless defensive pressure.
Gerrard Living provided a bright spot on the offensive end, leading all scorers with 15 points. He was highly efficient, converting 6 of 8 shots from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. Marial Malek added 8 points and delivered a dominant presence on the glass with 12 rebounds, battling tirelessly in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Despite the defensive effort, the Magicians struggled to find consistency offensively. Shooting challenges and 18 turnovers of their own prevented them from capitalizing on the extra possessions they created. Edward Waters was able to convert key opportunities down the stretch, and the Magicians were left regrouping after a frustrating result.
What followed, however, spoke volumes about the character of this team.
Two days later in Atlanta, LeMoyne-Owen faced the top ranked team in the conference, Morehouse College, in a hostile environment. The Maroon Tigers entered the matchup riding a 10 game conference winning streak and had firmly established themselves as the team to beat. The stage was set for a daunting challenge, but the Magicians refused to be intimidated.
For much of the game, Morehouse appeared in control. With just 2 minutes and 38 seconds remaining, LeMoyne-Owen trailed by 10 points and the outcome seemed all but decided. Then the momentum shifted.
The Magicians unleashed a furious rally, closing the game on a stunning 17 to 6 run that silenced the home crowd and showcased their poise under pressure. Defensive stops turned into transition opportunities, and every possession carried heightened urgency and belief.
Joshua Whitehurst emerged as the spark off the bench, delivering a performance that will not soon be forgotten. He poured in 17 points to lead all scorers while also grabbing 6 rebounds and recording a steal. His timely shot making and fearless approach ignited the comeback and gave the Magicians life in the closing moments.
Andre Walker complemented that effort with a steady and composed performance. He finished with 14 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds, shooting 5 of 9 from the field and a perfect 2 of 2 from three point range. Walker controlled the tempo in crunch time, making smart decisions and knocking down critical shots as the deficit quickly disappeared.
With the game hanging in the balance during the final seconds, junior forward LaCurtis Dunn stepped to the free throw line and calmly delivered the decisive points. His two clutch free throws sealed a thrilling one point victory, completed one of the most impressive comebacks of the season, and snapped Morehouse College's 10 game conference winning streak.
The split road trip highlighted both the challenges and the promise of this LeMoyne-Owen squad. From defensive intensity to late game execution, the Magicians demonstrated resilience and depth that could prove pivotal as the season progresses.
Now, with renewed confidence and momentum on their side, the Magicians return home for a pivotal stretch. They are set to host long time rival Rust College, followed by matchups against Benedict College and Central State. If the energy and toughness displayed in Atlanta are any indication, LeMoyne-Owen will look to build on its signature victory and make its home court a fortress in the weeks ahead.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.