Columbia, SC - The Allen University Men's Basketball team dropped another heartbreaker on Saturday afternoon, falling 68–66 to LeMoyne-Owen College inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium. While the loss stings, the Yellow Jackets continue to show flashes of a team on the cusp of turning the corner—competing toe-to-toe with SIAC opponents and proving they belong in every game they step into.
This latest matchup was another down-to-the-wire finish, one that featured 6 lead changes and 7 ties as the Yellow Jackets battled with energy, physicality, and purpose from the opening tip to the final horn.
Shuler and Blakely Lead the Charge
Jacquez Shuler - the junior forward set the tone on both ends of the court, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists—recording a double-double while playing 36 minutes. His control on the glass and ability to create for others was a steadying presence throughout the game.
Junior guard Sterling Blakely came up big as well, scoring 12 points with a solid overall game.
Junior guard Julian McGowan provided a major spark with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, showing confidence and getting to the free-throw line where he went a perfect 4-of-4.
Bench Production & Defensive Intensity
The Yellow Jackets got a strong showing from the reserves, who collectively poured in 28 of the team's 66 total points, a sign of the program's growing depth and balance.
Jaren Phillips continued to impress in his role, scoring 10 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in just 14 minutes of action. His ability to impact the game in short spurts is becoming a valuable weapon for Coach Whittler's squad.
Allen's defense forced LeMoyne-Owen into multiple tough shots and kept the game close despite some missed opportunities at the line and from beyond the arc. The team held the Magicians to just 43.6% shooting, while generating 12 second chance points and 12 points off turnovers.
Head Coach Doug Whittler:
"Right now we have to learn how to finish games. We're a little depleted at the guard position due to injuries but it's still my job to find ways to win. The available guys are doing the best they can, but we must be a little more resilient the last 5 minutes of the game when it's winning time."
Coach Whittler's honest reflection continues to echo the reality of a team fighting through adversity but building toughness and identity in the process.
With continued growth, developing chemistry, and strong leadership from veterans like Shuler and Blakely, Allen is poised to surprise teams down the stretch.
