Stillman Athletics
Chris Megginson
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – A nine day layoff did not slow the Tigers down. No. 23 Stillman College raced out to a 10-point lead in the first five minutes and never trailed en route to an 86-71 win at William Carey University on Feb. 5. The victory extended Stillman’s lead in the Southern States Athletic Conference West Division standings to 2.5 games over Loyola University.
Stillman shot 58.3% in the game, led in scoring by Trey Petty’s 27 points and 26 by Devin Merriweather.
After the initial double-digit lead, William Carey got no closer than seven points, 17-10, seven minutes into the game. Stillman stretched its lead to 21 points at halftime, 44-23. The largest lead was 24 points early in the second half.
Petty made 6-of-13 3-pointers and was 3-of-6 inside the arc.
All nine Tigers scored in the game. Virgil Field and Ladarius Carter dished out five and four assists, respectively. Roger Davis led all players with eight rebounds. Marcus Bates blocked three shots and Davis had two blocks.
William Carey was led by Sayveon Bumpers’ 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Zarkeichious Martin and William Gaines each scored a dozen points, while Jvari Thigpen added 10 points.
Stillman (9-1, 8-1 SSAC West) will meet William Carey (11-8, 4-5 SSAC West) once again Saturday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. for the final of four meetings this season against the Crusaders.