ROME, Ga. — In a tightly contested conference game on Saturday afternoon at the Winthrop-King Centre, the Hawks were narrowly defeated by the Southern Wesleyan Warriors with a final score of 79-72.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Shorter 72, Warrior 79

SUMMARY
The game opened favorably for the Hawks, who led at halftime 40-31 against the Warriors. Top performers in the first half included Ja'Myas Davis, Jaiden Wynn, and Jabiri Smith, who were pivotal in establishing and maintaining the lead with aggressive plays and strategic scoring. Davis ended the game high with 19 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his crucial role on the court. Wynn followed closely with 17 points, adding 3 blocks and 5 rebounds to his stat line, asserting his defensive skills effectively. Smith contributed 14 points, further supporting the team's initial dominance.

Despite strong performances and a robust lead at halftime, the tides turned in the second half. The Warriors mounted a substantial comeback, eventually overtaking the Hawks. The game saw only one lead change, a testament to the intensely competitive nature of the match. Both teams performed impressively in the second half, but Southern Wesleyan edged out to secure the victory.

Donovan Shangase also made significant contributions with 11 points and 6 assists, missing only one free throw out of seven attempts, which emphasized his precision under pressure.

ON THE HORIZON: 
The Hawks now look ahead to their next conference contest against UNC Pembroke on December 17, 2024, at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court in Pembroke, N.C. The team's current record stands at 2-5 overall, with a conference record of 0-2. As they prepare for this upcoming game, the Hawks aim to refine their strategies and come back stronger.