The University of the Southwest (USW) put up a valiant fight which led them to victory over Paul Quinn College (PQC) in a high-energy game, finishing with a score of 74-61 on November 23, 2024. With several standout performances and moments of brilliance, USW was able to overcome PQC's second-half surge.
The Game in Review
The first half was tightly contested, with USW holding a slim 27-26 lead at halftime. Jacob Koonz emerged as the leader for USW, posting an impressive 22 points and securing nine rebounds. The team's energy and intensity on both ends of the court were evident.
Key Players for USW
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Jacob Koonz: With a game-high 22 points and nine rebounds, Koonz led the charge for USW, showing his dominance in the paint and mid-range game.
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Rahkeim Petterson: Petterson chipped in 10 points and was instrumental in creating plays with his five assists, contributing both offensively and defensively.
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Jalen McAfee Marion: Coming off the bench, Marion added eight points, including two three-pointers, providing a spark when the team needed it most.
Bright Spots and Challenges
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Points in the Paint: USW dominated inside, outscoring PQC 46-26 in the paint. This effort highlighted their ability to capitalize on high-percentage opportunities.
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Bench Contributions: The depth of USW was on display, with 29 points coming from reserves compared to PQC's 10. Players like Kevin Boone and Jalen McAfee Marion stepped up when needed.
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Turnovers and Free Throws: Despite forcing 28 turnovers from PQC, USW struggled with their own ball security, committing 20 turnovers. Missed opportunities at the free-throw line also hampered their chances of keeping the game close.
Moving Forward
With players like Koonz and Petterson leading the way, USW has a solid foundation to build upon. Improved consistency from the free-throw line and beyond the arc could make the difference in future matchups.
Southwest looks ahead to their next matchup against Texas A&M Texarkana in Texarkana, Texas PM November 27 at 6:30 PM MT