Written by Sports Information student worker, Izayah Donnelly.

Fulton, Mo. - After coming off an upsetting conference loss against Missouri Baptist, the No. 25 ranked William Woods University men's basketball team was able to pull away in a close 83-79 victory over Harris-Stowe State University.

The Owls (15-8, 11-4 AMC) set a new school record of 15 wins in a season after tonight's victory and capturing the season series sweep over the Hornets but it wouldn't come easy.

Harris-Stowe State quickly jumped to an early lead with in the first few minutes of the game. It wasn't until Trey Mitchell hit two back-to-back mid-range jump shots to get the owls started. Continuing his hot streak Trey Mitchell provided seven first half points for the Owls.

As things started to move in the owls favor, Trevor Roberts of Harris-Stowe come off the bench scoring the next two baskets for the Hornets, putting them back ahead.

Playing big for the Hornets Roberts also contributed seven first half points. The Owl's bench provided big time play from forwards DJ Johnson, and Keith Jackson but it wasn't enough to outdo the bench of the Hornets, which provided 21 points that would give the Hornets a 36-33 lead at the half.

Like most games, the owls come out the second half hungry. Scoring back-to-back buckets to put them back ahead 37-36. But it would be HSSU that went on a mean run to regain the lead over the Owls. WWU quickly called a time out to regroup and out of the timeout, it would be Trey Mitchell who took the game into his hands. Mitchell who's been playing well for owls ended with 20 points for the owls on 6-of-9 shooting from the field.

Senior guard Kevin House, provided big time play for the owls. Dishing out 10 assist, the owls began to break away from the Hornets. But a pair of threes coming from Hornets guards Trevor Roberts, and Julian Clarkson would put an end in the owls run, causing the owls to take a timeout with five minutes remaining in the game.

With just five minutes remaining, both teams stayed diligent. A strong second half performance for owls forward DJ Johnson helped the owls compete against a fast pace Harris-Stowe. Johnson would end the game scoring 14 points off the bench.

As time winding down, Deon Pettigrew would be sent to line. In a one-and-one situation Pettigrew would hit the first tying the game 77-77, missing the second the Hornets would push the ball down court resulting in a tip pass out of bounce. Unaware of the shot clock, the Hornets would receive a shot clock violation giving the ball back to the owls with 1:30 left in regular play.

Taking their time, the Owls were able to get an amazing possession, resulting in a big Austin Lowery three putting, to put WWU ahead 80-77.With time running quickly running the down the Hornets were able to get a basket out of forward Evan Jones, making it a one point Owls lead. With time and shot clock winding down the Owls needed to do something fast, with 0,1 second remaining on the shot clock Austin Lowery's shot from beyond the arc, would clear the net, making it a 83-79 win over the Hornets.

Lowery would end the game scoring a career-high 21 points. Kevin House ended the game almost hitting a triple double with 11 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds.

The Owls return to action next Thursday, as the team pays a visit to Hannibal-LaGrange University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.




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