LAKELAND, Fla. (November 2, 2023)- The St. Thomas University (STU) Men's Basketball team defeated the (RV) Faulkner Eagles in overtime in game one of the SSAC/SUN Challenge. The Bobcats were led by Cearius Warren with a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds), and Milton Matthews with 20 points.
 
The game started with a missed three-pointer by Faulkners' Sean McCurdy, but Jonathan Garcia hustled for the rebound, but the ball ended up in the hands of Anthony Harris for the Bobcats. The early moments were a defensive struggle for both teams. With just over 17 minutes left in the first half, STU found their rhythm. Jordan Hernandez hit a three-pointer, assisted by Anthony Harris, giving St. Thomas a 2-point lead. Faulkner answered back as Jayden Cooper scored their first points of the game, making it 4-4. The teams continued to trade turnovers and defensive plays. The game remained tightly contested with several lead changes.
 
With 15:24 left in the first half, Faulkner took a 6-4 lead making a couple free throws. The game continued to be marked by turnovers and fouls, leading to frequent substitutions by both teams. The Eagles extended their lead with a three-pointer by Jonathan Garcia, making it 9-4. STU responded with a layup by Daniel Ogoro, cutting the deficit to 9-6. The game was heating up, with both teams trying to find their offensive rhythm.
 
As the half progressed, Faulkner gained some momentum. They continued to apply defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on the Bobcats mistakes. Their lead grew, and they were up 26-19 after a dunk. STU tried to stay in the game, with Hernandez hitting a three-pointer to reduce the deficit. The game remained competitive, with both teams fighting for control.
 
With less than a minute to go in the half, St. Thomas tied the game at 29-29 with a layup and a free throw by Anthony Harris. The first half came to an end with a dagger three-pointer by Faulkner gaining a 31-29 lead. The first half was marked by intense defense, turnovers, and some key three-pointers. Both teams showed their determination and skills, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
 
The second half started with Milton Matthews attempting a long-range three-pointer for St. Thomas, but the shot fell short, and Cearius Warren grabbed the rebound for the Bobcats. Despite the opportunity, Warren missed a dunk, and the ball ended up in the hands of the Faulkner defense.
 
Jonathan Garcia came through for the Eagles, sinking a three-pointer to give Faulkner a five-point lead. The shot was set up by an assist from JC Norris. The Bobcats struggled to find their rhythm and turned the ball over with a misstep by Jordan Hernandez.
 
Garcia continued to shine with another three-point attempt, but St. Thomas' defense under the basket, led by Joshua Thrower, managed to prevent a scoring opportunity. However, the Eagle's TJ Williams was not to be denied and made a dunk in the paint to extend Faulkner's lead to seven.
 
St. Thomas called a timeout and made some substitutions, bringing in Daniel Ogoro and taking Cearius Warren out of the game. Despite the changes, the Bobcats had a hard time finding their offensive groove. Hernandez missed a layup attempt, and Garcia's strong defensive play led to a steal. Jayden Cooper took advantage of the opportunity, draining a three-pointer to push Faulkner's lead to double digits.
 
A 3-pointer by Milton Matthews finally got St. Thomas back on the board. The shot was assisted by Joshua Thrower. St. Thomas was finding their range, and they continued to close the gap, with Matthews sinking another three-pointer, this time with an assist from Daniel Ogoro. As the game tightened up, the physicality increased. Both teams committed fouls, and the free-throw line played a significant role. Faulkner's JC Norris hit a three-pointer, while St. Thomas capitalized on free throws, making it a closely contested game.
 
With just over six minutes left in the game, Faulkner's Aidan Carter knocked down a critical three-pointer to put the Eagles back in control. St. Thomas answered back with Matthews driving for a layup in the paint, making it a two-point game. The game continued to be a nail-biter as the clock ticked down. St. Thomas managed to take the lead, thanks to a couple of clutch free throws by Cearius Warren. The Bobcats' strong defense and timely baskets kept them ahead.
 
However, the game's momentum swung again when Faulkner's Sean McCurdy hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 65 points apiece with just a minute left. The Eagles' Victor Muñoz came through with a layup to regain the lead. The final minute saw both teams making turnovers and stealing possessions. But ultimately, Faulkner's Sean McCurdy sealed the deal with another three-pointer, putting the Eagles up by four points. St. Thomas fought hard and scored a last-second jumper by Jordan Hernandez which sent the game to overtime.
 
The overtime began with St. Thomas making a substitution, bringing Daniel Ogoro onto the court, replacing Joshua Thrower. The game was tied at 67 points apiece. Sean McCurdy of Faulkner attempted a layup but couldn't convert, and Jordan Hernandez grabbed the rebound for St. Thomas. Cearius Warren came through with a critical layup in the paint, giving the Bobcats a two-point lead. Hernandez provided the assist.
 
St. Thomas had a chance to extend their lead further when Jayden Cooper of Faulkner was fouled. However, Cooper missed the free throw, and the rebound was secured by Cearius Warren. St. Thomas struggled with a turnover, as Daniel Ogoro lost possession, allowing Jayden Cooper to steal the ball. Cooper wasted no time, nailing a jumper to even the score at 69 points each. Jordan Hernandez was instrumental for St. Thomas, responding with a layup in the paint to regain the lead. The score stood at 71-69 in favor of St. Thomas.
 
Sean McCurdy attempted a three-pointer but couldn't find the mark, and Jordan Hernandez's solid defensive play led to a rebound. Jonathan Garcia of Faulkner came up big, sinking a jumper to tie the game at 71 points. Milton Matthews of St. Thomas continued to be a clutch player, making another layup in the paint to put the Bobcats up by two points. With time running out, Garcia attempted a three-pointer for Faulkner, but it missed the mark. Matthews secured the rebound for St. Thomas. With the game on the line, St. Thomas called a full timeout with one-minute left in the overtime period. They looked to secure the victory.
 
St. Thomas made a substitution, bringing Joshua Thrower back into the game in place of Daniel Ogoro. The Bobcats were up by four points, and they could almost taste the win. Cearius Warren sealed the deal with a powerful dunk in the paint, assisted by Milton Matthews. St. Thomas was now comfortably ahead, 75-69. Faulkner attempted a late three-pointer, but it couldn't find the mark, and the Eagles' Jonathan Garcia was unable to secure the rebound. Time ran out for the Eagles. St. Thomas emerged victorious in an intense overtime period, defeating Faulkner with a final score of 75-69.