WICHITA, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Friends University in an overtime thriller on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Sterling’s bench contributed 35 points in the 86-82 loss with the Falcons capitalizing on 21 points from the free throw line.
Sterling started the first half with an early lead, thanks to a three-pointer by Julian Smith, assisted by Damond Daniels. The Warriors continued to build momentum with strong offensive rebounding and a series of baskets, including another three-pointer by Smith at the 17:02 mark, giving them a narrow lead.
Camren Johnson contributed significantly off the bench, scoring consistently to maintain Sterling’s advantage. Johnson’s scoring, coupled with defensive stops, allowed Sterling to extend its lead to 29–20 at the 7:43 mark.
As the half neared its end, Carson Shimer‘s offensive rebound and subsequent score gave Sterling a slight edge. The half closed with Sterling leading 36–34, maintaining a slim advantage over Friends.
The Falcons quickly tied the game to start the second half at 36, seeking to capitalize on its momentum. Chris Drake broke the initial deadlock with a three-point play at 18:25, briefly giving Sterling the lead back. However, the Falcons countered with a series of free throws and a 3-pointer, regaining control at 44-39.
Throughout the half, Sterling pressured the Falcons defensively, accumulating six steals. Sterling’s Jacob Babino and Jaivion Reed combined for a crucial late-game steal and basket to tie the game at 69 with 34 seconds remaining. Despite a pair of free throws from Friends, Johnson’s layup in the final seconds ensured the half closed in a 71-71 tie.
The Falcons started overtime on a 6-0 run with Smith breaking the streak with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 80-74 just under three minutes to play. Another three-pointer from Johnson with 29 seconds to play put Sterling within three at 85-82, but strong free throw shooting and offensive rebounding by Friends kept the game out of reach for the Warriors as the game ended 86-82 in favor of the Falcons.
Camren Johnson led the scoring with 27 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Julian Smith added 21 points, shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, and collected four rebounds. Jaivion Reed contributed 12 points, dished out five assists, and had three steals. Chris Drake finished with 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while also securing two steals.
Sterling (7-17, 4-14) will be on the road against on Saturday, Feb. 14 as they travel to Kansas City, Mo. to take on Avila University (14-11, 9-10). Game time is set for 3 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.
