TAKOMA PARK, MD - Thursday night, October 26, 2023, marked an intense matchup between the Washington Adventist University (WAU) men's basketball team and the formidable #11 St. Thomas University at The Pitt. The highly anticipated night featured the homecoming of the Bobcat's Head Coach Patrick Crarey II, the former men's basketball coach for the Shock from 2010-2020, along with the WAU's 2013-14 USCAA Men's Division I National Championship team.

From the opening tip-off, the atmosphere at The Pitt crackled with electricity as supporters from both sides filled the stands. The WAU Shock opened the 2023-24 season, displaying remarkable skill and determination. However, they knew they were in for a challenge as they faced the highly-regarded St. Thomas University.

"With our guys, rankings don't come into play because we preach all the time to take advantage of your opportunities and moments," said WAU Head Coach Jerry McFarland. "They look forward to playing against guys that are ranked and top teams in the country. I don't care who you are. If you want to get there, then you have to play against those guys and eventually knock some of them off to get to that point. You only get a few opportunities for those moments, so you must be ready when they come."

The game kicked off with an intense display of athleticism from both teams. The Shock, led by their point guard Tunde Scrivner, pushed the tempo and showcased their shooting prowess early on. Scrivner's relentless drives to the basket left defenders scrambling, and his quick passes opened up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

The Shock's defense was unmatched in the first half. WAU forced six turnovers, outrebounded the Bobcats 16-11, and shot 71.4% from the charity stripe, going into halftime with the 36-29 lead and two players in double figures.

STU, known for its disciplined defense and precision offense, adjusted to WAU's aggressive playstyle in the second half. Their towering center, Cearius Warren, dominated the boards and stood tall in the paint, indefinitely altering the Shock's inside game.

Despite their best efforts, WAU struggled to contain the sharpshooters of STU. As the game unfolded, the visitors' outside shooting took center stage, shooting 60% from behind the arc. With each three-pointer finding its mark, the Shock faced an uphill battle to regain control of the game.

WAU called several timeouts to rally and make crucial adjustments. The Shock's defense tightened, and they disrupted the Bobcat's rhythm momentarily. The team's relentless spirit undoubtedly kept the crowd on their feet, never losing faith in the home team's potential to upset St. Thomas University.

Through every possession, the scoreboard seesawed, with neither team willing to cede an inch. As the clock ticked down, tensions ran high. The crowd's roar reached deafening levels, serving as a testament to the basketball spectacle unfolding before them.

In the closing minutes, STU's composure came to the forefront, making 15-of-22 free throws in the second half. With a calculated offense and relentless defense, they pulled away from the Shock, widening the gap on the scoreboard. Despite their best efforts, WAU succumbed to the pressure and fell short of a poetic comeback.

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 75-72 in favor of STU. The visiting team's skill and experience ultimately proved too much for the Shock to overcome. Nevertheless, the WAU men's basketball team showed great promise and resilience in their battle against their elite opponents.

The Shock finished with three starters in double figures. Michael Brown led all scorers, finishing with 20 points and two steals; Scrivner finished with 16 points, and Mohamed Bundu finished with 15 points and two blocks. Xzavaier Hawkins finished with 6 points and led with four blocks. 

Despite the loss, the clash between Washington Adventist University and St. Thomas University showcased the thrilling nature of college basketball. After the game, WAU Athletic Director Jered Lyons honored Coach Pat and the 2013-2014 Championship team with championship shirts, hats, and pins as the current team embraced the history of the program they represent. The Shock will carry this momentum into another highly anticipated matchup facing Oakwood University on Saturday night.

"I have played against Oakwood a couple of times," said WAU's Brown. "My brother used to attend Oakwood a couple of years ago, so I got the chance to play against him. I am looking forward to the atmosphere. You live for moments like this, so I'm ready to fight this battle with my brothers and come out with the victory at the end."

NEXT UP

WAU men's basketball team will host Oakwood University on October 28, 2023, at 9:00 p.m. at Takoma Academy.

LIVE STATS: HERE

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TICKETS

BUY TICKETS HERE

The WAU Athletic Department is excited to announce that it has partnered with HomeTown Ticketing, Inc. to move all ticketing operations online for the 2023-2024 athletics season.

To purchase Homecoming game tickets, fans can visit the WAU Game Ticketing website (wauathletics.com/ticketing). Once you buy a ticket, you can print or save it to your mobile device. To gain entry to the event, you must be able to provide either the printed ticket or show the ticket on your mobile device.

Ticket Pricing Structure:

General Admissions (5 & Older) - $20 (cash or card only)

Children (5 & Under) - Free

All tickets will be $20.00 at the door the day of the event for individuals who did not purchase during the pre-sale. 

Policies

Disclaimer

Ticket prices and availability are subject to change without notice—no refunds, rain or shine. Spectators must adhere to university policies and all applicable laws or face removal from the competition site.

FOLLOW THE SHOCK

For more information on the WAU men's basketball team, follow @WAUShock on Twitter and Instagram and @WAUMBB on Instagram and Twitter.