Paul Quinn Edges North American in a Nail-Biter
Dallas, Texas – In an intense and closely contested matchup, the Paul Quinn Tigers secured a hard-fought 74-71 victory over the North American Stallions on November 16, 2024. The Health and Wellness Center game was marked by back-and-forth action, clutch shooting, and relentless defensive efforts on both sides.
Game Recap
The Tigers (3-3, 3-0) protected their perfect conference record by staving off a late comeback attempt from the Stallions (3-4, 0-3). Paul Quinn held a narrow 39-36 lead at halftime, buoyed by an impressive first-half shooting performance, including 70% from beyond the arc.
In the second half, the game tightened as North American ramped up their fast-break offense, outscoring Paul Quinn 29-5 in transition points. However, the Tigers countered with their sharpshooting, particularly from deep, where they connected on 47.8% of their attempts for the game.
Paul Quinn Key Performers
- Norris Williams had a career night, leading all scorers with 36 points on an efficient 13-for-18 shooting, including an exceptional 7-for-9 from three-point range. He also contributed seven assists and five steals, showcasing his all-around impact.
- Derrick Miller chipped in 13 points, hitting three triples and adding three assists.
- Julian Spotser added seven points and eight rebounds, anchoring the Tigers on the boards.
Paul Quinn's offense clicked, with 19 team assists on 25 made field goals, emphasizing their ball movement and ability to create quality looks.
North American Highlights
- Sean Fry led the Stallions with 12 points, two rebounds, and four steals, making his presence felt on both ends.
- Damione Thomas added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Joseph Cormier notched a near double-double with 10 points and nine boards.
- Erric Wynn contributed nine points off the bench, showcasing North American's depth.
Despite a strong team effort, the Stallions' inability to contain Norris Williams proved their downfall.
Key Moments
The game's critical stretch came in the final minute when Paul Quinn clung to a three-point lead. After a missed three-pointer by North American, Williams calmly sank two free throws to extend the lead to five. The Stallions responded with a quick bucket but couldn't get a final shot off, sealing the Tigers' victory.
Final Thoughts
Paul Quinn demonstrated resilience and composure in this tightly contested game, thanks mainly to Norris Williams' electrifying performance. While North American excelled in transition and points in the paint, Paul Quinn's perimeter shooting and clutch free throws were the difference-makers.
The Tigers will build on this momentum as they continue their conference play, while the Stallions aim to regroup and secure their first conference victory.