Senators hold on for road conference win over Vol State

GALLATIN, TN – It seemed like déjà vu for Walters State on Saturday evening against Vol State.

Just days after not being able to hold on to a nine-point lead in the final four minutes against Cleveland State, the Senators looked to be heading in the same direction against the Pioneers after letting an eight-point lead with four minutes to go dwindle to one with a minute remaining. 

However, this time the Senators closed things out. 

Josh Jerome made a much-needed basket, his only points of the game, to make it a three-point contest once again and that was enough as the Senators survived with a 73-70 win. 

Vol State had a 3-pointer at the buzzer but it was off the mark. 

With the win, Walters State improves to 15-12 overall and 6-9 in conference play. 

Ty Hurst led the Senators in the game with 18 points. Hurst had 10 points in the second half for Walters State.

Along with Hurst, Destin Barker had 17 points while Deovaunta Williams had 16. Barker hit three 3-pointers in the second half. 

Other scorers for Walters State were Jared Carter and Riley Cooper each with six, Brandon Kabuya with four and Jerome, Dowar Jioklow and Deng Akok each with two. 

It was an even first half as both teams were tied at 34 at the break. Williams had eight in the half for Walters State while Barker and Carter each had six. 

In the second half, the game continued to be close until Walters State began to pull away thanks to Barker and Hurst. The lead was eight before Vol State made their final push. However, Jerome was there to make the timely basket as the Senators held on. 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action next Saturday against Southwest Tennessee at home for Alumni Day. In the first meeting between the two teams this season, Southwest was victorious 80-77.

Tip on Saturday is scheduled for 4 p.m. 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics