LAKE WALES, Fla. (January 13, 2024) – The St. Thomas University Men's Basketball team dug deep, and got their first win in Sun Conference play against the Warner Royals. The Bobcats were down at half, but managed to find a way to win it down the stretch against a good Royal team.
 
In a closely contested first half, the St. Thomas Bobcats were struggling to find any momentum early. The game kicked off with a series of fast-paced actions, showcasing the high speed game up and down the floor that would take place.
 
The opening minutes saw aggressive play, with St. Thomas gaining an early lead through successful free throws by Cearius Warren. Warner responded with a series of well-executed plays, including a good jumper by Blaize Darling and a three-pointer.
 
As the game progressed, both teams displayed their defensive prowess with steals and blocks. St. Thomas' Jordan Hernandez and Milton Matthews contributed with key three-pointers, keeping the score close.
 
The first half witnessed multiple lead changes, with the Royals relying on players like Blaize Darling and Skyler Scull for crucial points. St. Thomas, on the other hand, showcased a balanced offensive strategy with contributions from Matthews, Hernandez, and Warren.
 
Heading into halftime, the score remained tight, with St. Thomas trailing by a narrow margin. The second half promised more excitement and a tough battle for the victory.
 
The second half kicked off with a series of missed opportunities for the Bobcats. However, the Bobcats quickly turned the tide with a steal by Taylor, leading to a clutch 3-pointer by Milton Matthews, assisted by Anthony Harris.
 
The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess. The Royals were able to get on the board with a successful layup, but the Bobcats responded with a layup from Josh Taylor and free throws by Jordan Hernandez.
 
As the tension escalated, the Bobcats faced some challenges, including turnovers and more missed opportunities. Warner capitalized on these moments, gaining the lead with plays in the paint. However, the Bobcats stayed resilient, with Cearius Warren contributing a powerful dunk to keep the score close.
 
In the final minutes, the Bobcats executed crucial plays, including a 3-pointer by Daniel Ogoro and a dunk by Josh Taylor. The Royals team fought hard, with Logan West making pivotal shots to keep the game within reach.
 
With the clock winding down, Anthony Harris sealed the deal for the Bobcats, sinking free throws and extending their lead. Despite a late surge from Warner, the Bobcats managed to secure the victory with a final score of 62-60.