Sterling comes up short against Kansas Wesleyan

STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Kansas Wesleyan University, 71-65, in a closely contested game on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Gleason Center. Sterling's defense played a significant role by recording 13 steals, but Kansas Wesleyan secured the win with a 43.4% field goal shooting percentage.

The game opened with the Warriors setting an early rhythm through fast breaks and points from turnovers, contributing to a total of 10 points off turnovers in the first half. Despite this effort, the Coyotes' effective shooting from beyond the arc, including three successful 3-pointers, allowed them to maintain pressure on Sterling.

Sterling's Jaivion Reed was instrumental with clutch scoring, accounting for a significant portion of the team's points, but the defensive rebounds by Kansas Wesleyan limited additional scoring opportunities. As the half wound down, the Warriors managed to close the gap slightly with a late jumper by Camren Johnson, but the half ended with Kansas Wesleyan leading 31-25.

The Warriors initiated the second half by closing the gap with a quick three-point play by Julian Smith, assisted by Joseph Oparaeke. A three-pointer from Ziri Blackwood further trimmed the deficit. Despite a steady scoring from the visitors, Sterling's persistent attacks in the paint, highlighted by Oparaeke's layups, kept the pressure on the Coyotes.

As the half progressed, Sterling demonstrated resilience through defensive plays, including a key steal by Reed that led to a fast-break layup, cutting the lead to a single point. The home team capitalized on free throws and forced turnovers to remain competitive, yet Kansas Wesleyan managed to maintain a slim lead through successful perimeter shooting.

Towards the close of the half, Sterling College continued to battle, but untimely turnovers and empty possessions left the Warriors short while the visitors maintained their advantage with consistent scoring from the charity stripe. The half concluded with both teams scoring 40 points, leaving Sterling trailing at 71-65 at the end of the game.

Reed led the team with 16 points, shooting 38.5 percent from the field, and added five rebounds. Smith contributed 15 points and two steals, converting 66.7 percent of his 3-point attempts. Blackwood recorded three steals and added seven points, while Cedric Wilson collected three steals and four rebounds.

Sterling's (6-4, 3-1) next game will be on the road in Bartlesville, Okla. against Oklahoma Wesleyan University (8-1, 4-0) at 3 p.m.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.