STERLING, Kan. – Sterling College fell to Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 80-70, on Saturday, Feb. 7 in the Gleason Center. Sterling cut the deficit to 10 points in the second half but could not overcome Oklahoma Wesleyan’s strong first-half performance.
The Warriors opened the first half with a slow start, struggling to find their rhythm against the Eagles. Julian Smith connected on a three-pointer at 16:45, putting Sterling on the board after Oklahoma Wesleyan had already established a 10-point lead. Chris Drake contributed with a layup shortly thereafter, but Oklahoma Wesleyan maintained control with efficient shooting.
Sterling showed resilience midway through the half with a series of successful free throws by Drake and Jaivion Reed, narrowing the gap to 15–12. However, OKWU responded with continued offensive pressure, extending their lead through a combination of fast-break points and bench contributions.
Despite a late push from Sterling, including field goals from Amiri Ndayisaba and Jha’Quez Wright, OKWU held their advantage. The half ended with Sterling trailing, 51–29, as the Eagles capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to conclude the first half with a significant lead.
Sterling would not go away quietly as the Warriors opened the second half with a quick 3-pointer by Smith, assisted by Reed, cutting into Oklahoma Wesleyan’s lead. Cameron Johnson added a layup, and Drake completed a three-point play with a layup and free throw, keeping the score competitive. Despite Oklahoma Wesleyan’s attempts to maintain their lead, Sterling’s bench contributed 20 points, and the team earned second-chance points with 17 offensive rebounds.
Sterling’s defense was active, matching Oklahoma Wesleyan with three steals and three blocks throughout the half. Smith continued to be instrumental, contributing with multiple 3-pointers and a layup, supported by rebounds from Johnson and Ndayisaba. The Warriors closed the half strong, reducing the deficit with a layup by Jordan Robbins in the final seconds. By the end of the half, Sterling had outscored Oklahoma Wesleyan 41–29, narrowing the overall gap, yet trailing 80–70.
Julian Smith scored 25 points, sinking five 3-pointers and converting 4 of 5 free throws. Chris Drake added seven points and collected six rebounds. Jaivion Reed was perfect from the line, hitting all four free throws while grabbing five boards. Carson Shimer made his presence known in the second half with two blocks, alongside contributing five points and five rebounds.
Sterling (7-17, 4-14) will be back in action against Friends University (19-5, 5-14) on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Wichita, Kan. with tip-off set for 8 p.m.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
