Huntsville, AL – Following an overtime thriller in the women's game, the Washington Adventist University (WAU) men's basketball team battled fiercely but ultimately fell to their NAIA rival, Oakwood University, with a final score of 61-56 in their season opener on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The matchup was marked by defensive intensity and a back-and-forth scoring effort, with Oakwood securing the victory in the final minutes.

The game opened with both teams playing strong defense, limiting scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. WAU kept the score close, with Anthony Perry leading the Shock's offense with thirteen first-half points by hitting crucial jump shots to keep the team within reach. By halftime, Oakwood held a narrow 29-27 lead, setting the stage for a close second half.

In the second half, WAU's defense continued to challenge Oakwood, forcing contested shots and creating fast-break opportunities. Emanuel Hylton and Chase Cook provided a much-needed spark, scoring from both inside the paint and beyond the arc to keep the Shock neck-and-neck with Oakwood. Both teams exchanged key baskets as the Shock tied the score twice early in the half, but the Ambassadors maintained the lead throughout the half.

In the final minutes, Oakwood managed to pull away slightly, capitalizing on free throws and a few costly turnovers by WAU. Despite a last push from the Shock, Oakwood held firm, closing out the game 61-56. WAU's resilience and determination were evident, but they fell just short of clinching the win.

The Shock shot 34.5 percent (20-of-58) from the field, with six of its makes coming from long range. Chase Cook led the Shock in scoring, finishing with 14 points, three rebounds, two steals, and three assists, while Perry followed with 13 points and four rebounds.

Hylton (9), Felix McGhee (8), Seth Wright (5), Jalen Anderson (3), Emanuel Rohder (2), and Jaylin McNeil (2) also found the scoring column. Eleven Shock players saw time on the floor.

With this loss, WAU starts their season at 0-1. The Shock will look to quickly regroup and prepare for their next game against Johnson University on Sunday, November 3, aiming to bounce back and build on the promising aspects of their performance.

FOLLOW THE SHOCK

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