Statesmen Win Big Over Wildcats at Home
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen came out on top in a battle of 10-0 teams on Saturday as they defeated the Culver-Stockton Wildcats 119-76.
The Wildcats got on the board first, but the Statesmen answered right back with dunks from Kevion Blaylock (Sr., Houston, Texas, Information Systems) and Reyhan Cobb (Jr., Atlanta, Ga., Sociology). The visitors answered back with a six point run to take an 8-6 lead, but it was the last lead they held in the contest.
The Statesmen completely took over all facets of the game. Karmari Newman (Sr., Detroit, Mich., Digital Communication) got on the board with a quick jumper, then Blaylock got a layup to go while drawing a foul, completing the three-point play after converting the free throw.
Following the play, Josh Watkins (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Sports Management) checked in for the first time in the game. He made his presence felt almost immediately, accounting for eight straight points after hitting two triples and a jumper in only a minute of action, pushing the William Penn lead to 19-10.
The Statesmen continued to pour it on heading into the half as Malik Edwards (Fr., Drexel Hill, Pa., Business Management) had five late points to help the navy and gold to a 53-30 lead at the break. After the first 20 minutes, the Statesmen controlled every area of the game. They shot to a robust 52.9% mark from the field, including an even 50% from downtown, while holding Culver-Stockton to a 31.3% clip and a measly 3-13 rate from beyond the arc. The Statesmen also held a strong advantage on the boards, out-rebounding the Wildcats 22-15.
Blaylock got the second half started with four quick points, extending the William Penn lead out to 26. The Wildcats attempted to chip away, but never found any sort of offensive rhythm in the second stanza. The navy and gold had an answer to every basket, and the shooters just continued to hit.
After a Wildcat triple cut the lead to 23, Edwards responded right back with a short jumper. On the next possession, he buried one from downtown, getting the lead right back to 28 at 75-47, before hitting another one from the corner to give him eight points in a matter of 40 seconds. . Watkins got back in on the fun and drilled one from way downtown, then the hot hand Edwards sank another one from the corner. The two sent the Statesmen on a 14 point run, 11 of them from Edwards, as they pushed the lead all the way to 34.
The Statesmen continued to keep pressure on, only letting the lead fall below 30 once before getting it right back. With 4:45 left in the game, Jayvin Brown (Fr., Waldorf, Md.) checked into a game for the first time in his college career. He missed his first few attempts, but with 40 seconds left, intercepted a pass and took it all the way himself for the slam. His first career college points punctuated a huge win for William Penn as they won by a 46 point margin, their largest of the season.
Blaylock led the Statesmen with 21 points, also totaling seven rebounds. Edwards had a huge game, posting a career-high 20 points with three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Watkins was also big on the scoreboard, finishing with 16 points on 60% shooting.
Cobb had a good all-around performance, finishing with seven points and six rebounds, as did Muneer Newton (Fr., Philadelphia, Pa., Business Management), who was explosive on the boards all game. Newton finished with career-highs in both points and rebounds with eight and 11, respectively.
“We played extremely well today and were mentally and physically prepared,” said Head Coach John Henry.
What’s Next: The Statesmen will be on the road for the rest of 2021, with their next game coming in Fayette, Mo. against the Central Methodist Eagles. The December 8 tilt is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.
