Paul Quinn Secures Commanding 78-58 Victory Over Huston-Tillotson

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

The game opened with intense back-and-forth play as both teams matched each other nearly point-for-point. Paul Quinn shot an impressive 52.2% from the field in the first half, but Huston-Tillotson kept pace, trailing by just one point at halftime with a score of 35-34. Huston-Tillotson's Braelon Seals led their first-half effort with 19 points, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, and displayed sharp shooting and poise under pressure.

Second Half: Paul Quinn Pulls Away

Paul Quinn took control of the game in the second half, outscoring Huston-Tillotson 43-24. Norris Williams stepped up for Paul Quinn, finishing with 21 points, shooting 6-for-12 from the field and sinking seven free throws. Williams, alongside Jayce Spann, who contributed 15 points and led the team in free throws, was instrumental in Paul Quinn's offensive surge. Julian Spotser added valuable support with 12 points and a team-high 8 rebounds.

Paul Quinn capitalized on Huston-Tillotson's shooting struggles in the second half, as Huston-Tillotson's field goal percentage dropped to 24.2%. This defensive effort, combined with strong rebounding, allowed Paul Quinn to extend their lead and maintain control throughout the game's final minutes.

Key Players and Highlights

• Norris Williams (Paul Quinn): 21 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists. Williams led his team with efficient shooting and effective playmaking.
• Jayce Spann (Paul Quinn): 15 points, 6 rebounds. Spann was a steady contributor and consistent scorer at the line, hitting 8 of his 10 free throws.
• Braelon Seals (Huston-Tillotson): 19 points, 5 rebounds, and two steals. Seals stood out for Huston-Tillotson but couldn't overcome Paul Quinn's strong second-half defense.

Team Statistics and Takeaways

• Field Goal Efficiency: Paul Quinn shot an impressive 53.1% from the field, while Huston-Tillotson struggled with 33.9% shooting.
• Free Throws: Paul Quinn made 75% of their free throws, compared to Huston-Tillotson's 56.5%, contributing to Paul Quinn's ability to build their lead.
• Points in the Paint: Paul Quinn dominated inside, scoring 36 points in the paint, compared to Huston-Tillotson's 22, showcasing their advantage in rebounding and close-range shots.
• Turnovers: Both teams were prone to turnovers, with Paul Quinn committing 24 and Huston-Tillotson 21. However, Paul Quinn capitalized on turnovers, generating 20 points from Huston-Tillotson's mistakes.

Paul Quinn's strong team performance in the second half propelled them to a confident win, opening their conference play on a high note. They'll look to carry this momentum into their next games, while Huston-Tillotson aims to address their shooting and rebounding challenges as they seek their first win of the season.