SALINA, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Kansas Wesleyan with a final score of 77-65 on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Despite forcing 17 turnovers and scoring 17 points off those opportunities, the Warriors were unable to overcome the Coyotes’ advantage at the free-throw line.
Sterling opened the game with Camren Johnson scoring early, keeping pace with KWU. Jaivion Reed‘s free throws at 18:00 tied the game at 4–4, but the Coyotes responded, maintaining a slight lead. Sterling’s Ziri Blackwood hit a 3-pointer at 14:53, narrowing the gap to 10–7.
Throughout the half, Sterling managed several key defensive stops, including a block by Julian Smith at 16:36 and multiple steals. Blackwood’s performance, marked by assists and rebounds, helped Sterling close in on the Coyotes’ lead. Jha’ Quez Wright’s scoring spree in the final minutes, including a basket at 0:24, brought Sterling within five points by the end of the first half as Kansas Wesleyan led 44–39 at the close.
The Warriors started the second half by narrowing the gap with a quick scoring sequence. Johnson converted an offensive rebound into a three-point play at 18:44, bringing the score to 42–47. Following a Coyotes turnover, Amiri Ndayisaba stole the ball, but Sterling could not capitalize immediately with missed opportunities, allowing KWU to maintain their lead.
Midway through the half, Sterling made a push with a series of successful plays. Chris Drake‘s inside scoring at 12:29 and Damond Daniels‘ basket at 11:17 brought Sterling within one point, 54–55. However, the Coyotes responded with a scoring run that extended their lead back to 11 points by 6:39, despite Sterling’s defensive efforts.
In the closing minutes, Sterling attempted a comeback with Ziri Blackwood‘s three-pointer at 2:11 cutting the deficit to eight points. Despite this effort, KWU controlled the final minutes, securing a 77–65 victory as Sterling’s late shots missed the mark.
Chris Drake recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Reed led the team with 12 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Blackwood contributed 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and provided four assists. Wright added 10 points and two steals while also dishing out two assists.
Sterling College (7-13, 4-10) will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 31 in the Gleason Center as they are set to take on Tabor College (1-14, 3-17) at 7 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.
