COLUMBIA, Mo. – The William Woods University men's basketball team defeated Culver-Stockton College, 93-83, in the second game of the Cougar Classic on Friday afternoon at Columbia College.
 
The Owls had six players score in double-figures in the contest led by Shamari Denson who whad 18 points for the Owls. DaShaun Stark followed with 17 and Darrien Dickey added 16 points in the win. WWU shot 49.3 percent from the floor in the contest.
 
WWU returns to action on Saturday, November 4th when they play Olivet Nazarene University at the Cougar Classic in Columbia, Missouri. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.
 
Game Flow
Over the first four minutes of the contest, the Owls offense came out on fire as they scored nine points and a jumper by Shad Kimble put the Owls ahead by six, 9-3. WWU continued to shoot the ball well and a three pointer by Ray White put the Owls ahead, 14-7.
 
With 10:19 left in the first half, WWU took a 10-point lead, 18-8, after a jumper by Jason Walker. The Wildcats trimmed the lead down to six before WWU grew the lead to 14 points, 26-12, after a pair of free throws by Brian Enriquez.
 
However, the Owls offense cooled off and Culver-Stockton came back tying the game at 29-29 with 3:27 left in the first half. The game would be tied a handful of times before halftime and the Owls led by one, 37-36, at halftime.
 
Culver-Stockton took the lead at multiple times early in the second half and both teams traded leads over the first three minutes of the half. With 16:49 left in the half, a free throw by Mike Johnson put the Wildcats down 45-43.
 
The Owls slowly extended its lead as they got the lead to five after a free throw by Dicky. However, Culver-Stockton came back and tied the game at 57-57. The game remained close as both teams traded leads over the next couple of minutes.
 
With the Owls ahead 72-71, the Owls looked to slowly extend its lead againd and the lead grew to four, but the Wildcats came back tying the match at 75-75. After it was tied the Owls went on a 11-2 run taking a nine-point lead, 86-77, with 3:43 left in the contest.
 
William Woods did not let the Wildcats back into the game and the Owls came away with a 93-83 win over the Wildcats.
 
By the Numbers
56 – WWU scored 56 points in the second half
8 – The Owls hit eight three pointers in the contest
6 – The Owls had six players in double-figures
18 – Shamari Denson led the Owls with 18 points
17 – WWU had 17 assists in the match
10 – Darrien Dickey had 10 rebounds in the contest
49.3 – William Woods shot 49.3 percent from the floor