PENSACOLA, Fla. — West Florida (21-7, 14-6 Gulf South) secured a 71-61 victory over Christian Brothers (5-20, 4-16 Gulf South) at UWF Field House on Saturday. A strong second-half performance, including 12 triples, highlighted the win.
Prior to tipoff, UWF highlighted its four seniors and their contributions to the program: Graduate Assistant
Quentshon Wilson,
Colby McAllister,
Ryan Payne, and
Elijah Wyche.
The first half opened with Christian Brothers quickly establishing a 7-0 lead, highlighted by Iman Kheirati's early jumper and a 3-pointer by Marquis Gill. The Argonauts responded with a fast-break layup from Wyche, narrowing the gap. As the half progressed, both teams exchanged leads, with the Bucs relying on Kheirati's three-point shooting to maintain their edge. West Florida managed to tie the score at 32 with a late dunk by
Tim Hall Jr. in the final seconds, ending the half in a deadlock.
West Florida outscored the Bucs 39-29 in the second half to secure the victory.
Christian Valarezo contributed significantly with a layup and two assists, one of which set up a fast-break three-pointer by McAllister. McAllister was a key offensive force, hitting another three-pointer to extend West Florida's lead. Caleb Gaitor responded for the Bucs with a three-pointer, but West Florida maintained control, aided by Julius King Jr.'s back-to-back three-pointers midway through the half. The Argos' defense, highlighted by a big Wyche block, helped West Florida hold on for the win.
Wyche posted 16 points, recorded seven assists, seven rebounds, and made four steals. Hall Jr. collected 12 rebounds and added a block and a steal. McAllister converted six 3-pointers to finish with 18 points.
Ryan Payne made three 3-pointers, contributing nine points overall.
In their next matchup, West Florida will travel to face Montevallo on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. in Montevallo, Alabama. Live stats and broadcast will be available on GoArgos.com.
For more information on the UWF men's basketball program, visit GoArgos.com and follow the team on social media at @uwfmbb (Instagram) and @UWFMensBBall (X).
