Columbia, SC — The Allen University men's basketball team put on a show for the home crowd inside the John Hurst Adams Gymnasium, defeating Kentucky State University 86–78 and snapping a tough six-game losing streak. The win signals a potential turning point for the Yellow Jackets as they gear up for a late-season surge.
Trailing by five at halftime (41–36), Allen came out with renewed energy in the second half, torching the nets with a scorching 61.3% shooting performance. The Yellow Jackets outscored Kentucky State 50–37 after the break, showcasing resilience, discipline, and balanced offensive execution.
Team Effort, Big Bench Play
Allen shot 53.2% from the field, including a blistering 66.7% from three in the second half. The Yellow Jackets also knocked down 77.8% of their free throws and dominated in bench production, outscoring the Thorobreds' reserves 33–19.
The Yellow Jackets shared the ball effectively with 17 assists, capitalized on 17 points off turnovers, and added 8 second-chance points — a testament to their hustle and improved execution.
Standout Performers
- Sterling Blakely led all scorers with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-5 from deep, setting the tone early and often.
- Jaren Phillips poured in 14 points, grabbed five boards, and added two steals, contributing heavily on both ends.
- Ashton Henderson was a force in the backcourt with 11 points, while his tandem guard Jacquez Shuler nearly posted a double-double with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. The duo fueled Allen's second-half surge and controlled the tempo with poise.
- Emon Glenn brought intensity off the bench, chipping in 10 points and 7 rebounds, while Julian McGowan provided a spark with 10 points in just 12 minutes.
Postgame Quote
Coach Douglas Whittler, reflecting on the team's momentum shift, said:
"It felt good to get back in the win column, but we know we're not done. We stayed locked in as a unit, and now we've got to keep building."
No Time to Rest
The Yellow Jackets return to the hardwood less than 24 hours later, hosting Central State University at 2:00 PM today, January 23. The game was rescheduled due to the Winter Storm Watch forecasted across South Carolina. With little time to recover, Allen will need to channel their momentum and dig deep to secure back-to-back wins.
