Walters State struggle in second half as they fall to Motlow State

MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State struggled on both sides of the floor Monday evening against Motlow State, falling to the Bucks 82-68.  

With the loss, the Senators fall to 5-3 on the season and 4-3 in conference play. It was their second straight loss.  

"We just didn't play with any heart," Walters State coach Bill Carlyle said. "I don't know if Cleveland (on Saturday) took the starch out us tonight or what, but we didn't compete. We just need to compete more. We're going to have to get out here and get after it in practice. 

"Tip my hat to Motlow, they came in here and did what they had to do. We just didn't respond."  

The Senators were led in the game by Kajuan Hale with 19 points on 6-12 shooting. Hale had four steals as well. 

Along with Hale, De'Marius Boyd and Sly Thompson each scored nine points. 11 Senators scored in the contest. Tylar Haynes led the way on the boards with five rebounds.  

As a team, Walters State shot 35.4% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line.  

It was a slow start for the Senators as they fell behind 15-6 early. However, Walters State fought back as Thompson made a free-throw and then stole the ball and scored in transition.  

The Senators run would continue from there with Sully Fox making a layup before Thompson scored again. Gum Majek would eventually tie the game at 15 for the Senators before Boyd gave them the lead with a layup. However, that was the last time the Senators led in the game.  

Motlow began to take control after the run and got their lead all the way to 40-24 before Thompson stopped the bleeding with a layup. Boyd made two free-throws down the stretch and it was 40-28 at the half.  

Wanting to come out with a little intensity to start the second half, the Senators did the opposite and fell behind 50-30 just three minutes into the half. From there, the Bucks maintained a 20-point lead for the majority of the half. Walters State tried to make a run at times, but Motlow would answer with a run of their own.  

The Senators had one last chance when Boyd hit a jump shot to make it 61-46, but Motlow quickly built their lead back to 20 and held on for a convincing win. 

UP NEXT: 

Walters State will be back in action on March 3 when they travel to take on Chattanooga State. Tip for that game is set for 7:30 p.m.  

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics