TAKOMA PARK, Md. (October 26, 2023)- The St. Thomas University (STU) Men's Basketball team officially started the regular season in Maryland against a familiar foe for Head Coach of the Bobcats Patrick Crarey. This Washington Adventist team really wanted to beat the #11 Bobcats for bragging rights, but STU would come out victorious in a hard fought battle.
 
The game started with a missed layup by Washington Adventist, rebounded by STU. Washington Adventist then committed a foul, and Warren split his free throws, putting St. Thomas on the board.  St. Thomas managed to take the lead with a dunk by Joshua Thrower, who also had a layup in transition. However, Washington Adventist answered with a three-pointer. The first half featured several turnovers, fouls, and missed shots by both teams.
 
St. Thomas' Milton Matthews had a good layup, and there were successful free throws by Washington Adventist. The Bobcats had a lead at times, but Washington Adventist managed to stay close, with key plays. As the first half continued, St. Thomas took advantage of the foul trouble of Washington Adventist's players, making free throws to maintain their lead. However, Washington Adventist hit several crucial shots, keeping the game close.
 
In the latter part of the first half, both teams exchanged baskets and turnovers. Joshua Thrower from St. Thomas made a three-pointer, and they managed to extend their lead. The first half ended with St. Thomas holding a slim lead, with a score of 36-29 in their favor. The game featured some strong defensive plays and a mix of scoring from both teams, but St. Thomas had the edge as the teams headed into the locker room.
 
In the second half of the basketball game, both teams continued to play with great intensity. The Bobcats came out of the locker room a touch behind, and found themselves trailing by 5 points. Joshua Thrower had a few missed layup attempts, but his determination paid off with a successful layup that brought his team within a few points. The game saw its fair share of fouls and turnovers on both sides, but the players showcased their skills with some impressive plays. A notable 3-pointer by Joshua Thrower, assisted by Anthony Harris, brought St. Thomas within 2 points of the shock.
 
St. Thomas went on to take the lead with excellent plays by Cearius Warren and Milton Matthews, extending their advantage. A timeout was called by the Washington Adventist team to regroup and strategize. As the game continued, both teams displayed their defensive prowess with blocks and steals, making it a closely contested match. Joshua Thrower maintained his accuracy at the free-throw line, securing vital points for St. Thomas.
 
In the final minutes of the game, St. Thomas managed to maintain a slight lead, but Washington Adventist fought back with some well-executed plays, including key three-pointers. As the clock wound down, St. Thomas held on to a narrow lead, making crucial free throws, and securing a hard-fought victory. The final score was 75-72 in favor of the Bobcats in Crareys' return home.