MCPHERSON, Kan. — Sterling dropped their first two games of the season in the 2025 Central Christian Classic. In their first game of the season, Sterling College Warriors faced a tough opponent as they were edged out by Manhattan Christian 73-68 on Friday, Oct. 31. Despite the Warriors’ 10 successful three-pointers and a strong defensive showing with eight steals and five blocks, Sterling was unable to come out on top.

Sterling opened the first half with a strong defensive showing, securing six steals and two blocks. Julian Smith contributed significantly to the offense, hitting multiple three-pointers and assisting in narrowing the score gap. Despite the Warriors’ efforts, the Thunder managed to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 12 points in the paint and maintaining a slight edge.

As the half progressed, the Warriors continued to challenge with effective bench contributions, adding 12 points from reserves. However, Manhattan Christian’s consistent scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, allowed them to stay ahead. The half closed with the Warriors closing the gap with a pair of successful free throws from Smith but Manhattan Christian still leading 38-33.

The Warriors began the second half with a defensive stop, as Jha’Quez Wright secured a defensive rebound following a missed shot by the Thunder. Midway through the half, Sterling’s Ethan Wiley and Smith collaborated for a series of baskets, with Wiley hitting a crucial 3-pointer to narrow the gap to 44-41.

As the half progressed, Sterling matched Manhattan Christian’s scoring efforts, with key contributions from Chris Drake, who scored in the paint to level the game at 59-59. Smith’s consistent scoring, including a late free throw which kept Sterling within reach. However, in the final moments, Manhattan Christian edged ahead with a 3-pointer and free throws to finish the game with a 74-68 edge in favor of the Thunder.

Smith led the team with 23 points, including three three-pointers, and added five rebounds and four assists. Wiley contributed 13 points, highlighted by three three-pointers, and dished a team-high five assists while recording two steals. Damond Daniels chipped in six points, all from beyond the arc, on his way to a perfect shooting night. Joseph Oparaeke added six points and secured five rebounds, helping to anchor the defensive efforts.

In Sterling’s match up against Central Christian, the Warriors were defeated 77-72 on Saturday, Nov. 1, with the Tigers capitalizing on 16 points from turnovers to secure the win.

Sterling College opened the game with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by Smith’s contributions, including a key 3-pointer and several free throws. The Warriors demonstrated resilience, with Oparaeke and Amiri Ndayisaba providing crucial rebounds and assists to maintain pace. Despite trailing early, Sterling managed to close the period with a balanced attack and timely defensive stops.

As the first half concluded, Sterling narrowed the gap with the Tigers, capitalizing on turnovers and free throws to even the score. However, a last-second basket by Central Christian shifted the momentum slightly, leaving the Warriors down 41-38 at the half.

The Warriors began the second half striving to close the gap. Wright contributed early, followed by a key 3-pointer from Daniels, which briefly brought the Warriors within one point. However, turnovers allowed the Tigers to maintain a slight advantage.

As the half progressed, Oparaeke’s play in the paint, including a crucial block and subsequent scoring which kept Sterling competitive. Wiley’s 3-pointer late in the period tied the score at 63, but Central Christian responded with consecutive 3-pointers to reclaim the lead. Despite a late push, which included Smith’s inside basket, the Warriors ended the game trailing by five points, with a final score of 77-72.

Smith recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, adding two steals to his performance. Oparaeke contributed 13 points, collected nine rebounds and blocked two shots. Wiley tallied nine points, hitting three 3-pointers, and added an assist. Javion Reed scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds, while also dishing out one assist.

The Warriors (2-0) will host Barclay College (0-1) for their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in the Gleason Center.

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.