COLUMBIA, SC — In front of a roaring Adams Gymnasium crowd, the Allen University men's basketball team delivered a signature moment in their 2025–26 campaign with a thrilling 83–81 overtime victory over Central State University. The game was capped by a clutch rebound and putback layup from junior forward Emon Glenn as time expired, breaking an 81–81 tie and sending the Yellow Jacket faithful into a frenzy.


Head Coach Douglas Whittler all smiles during pressure moments in 83-81 win.

Game-Winning Heroics

With the score tied after a made free throw by Central State, Senior guard Ashton Henderson drove the length of the court slicing through defender using a euro step to get his shot up, playing through contact as Glenn muscled through traffic to secure a loose rebound off a missed attempt and no foul call on Henderson. With poise and power, he laid in the go-ahead basket as the final horn sounded—ending a gritty battle that featured relentless intensity from both squads.

Team Breakdown

Allen shot a sharp 53.7% from the field (29-54) and a scorching 57.9% from three-point range (11-19), showcasing a balanced inside-out attack. The Yellow Jackets were also efficient at the free-throw line, converting 77.8% of their attempts (14-18).

Defensively, Allen forced 12 turnovers, scored 18 points off those miscues, and held Central State to 50.0% shooting in the second half after a red-hot start.

Bench Mob & Depth Advantage

Allen's bench provided a crucial spark, outscoring Central State's reserves 37–18. The second unit kept the energy high and delivered clutch plays throughout the contest.

Individual Standouts

• Shadale Knight continued to lead the offensive charge, pouring in 14 points on 4-7 shooting and hitting 4 clutch free throws late.
• Sterling Blakely was an engine of energy with 11 points, 2 steals, and consistent pressure on both ends.
• Jaren Phillips also added 11 points and shot a clean 4-7 from the floor, including 2-4 from deep.
• Emon Glenn, the game's hero, finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and the game-winning putback that capped a relentless performance in just 16 minutes of action.
• Tavaris Bell and Ashton Henderson each added 8 points, with Bell dishing out 4 assists and securing 4 rebounds. 

Mental Toughness in Crunch Time

The Yellow Jackets maintained composure through momentum shifts and a strong challenge from Central State's Micah Bays, who scored 36 points. Allen's defensive schemes adjusted in the second half, holding Bays to 14 points after his 22-point first-half explosion.

Momentum Shift & What's Next

This win marks Allen's second consecutive conference victory, fueling a potential late-season surge as the Yellow Jackets improve to 4-14 overall and 3-13 in the SIAC.

With energy building and chemistry locking in, Allen looks ahead to its next test while continuing to prove they are not to be counted out. Next up - a two-game road trip starting in Jackson, TN as the Yellow Jackets face Lane College on January 29, 2026