Men's Basketball fades in second half against SUNO

NEW ORLEANS - Wiley University men's basketball had three starters score in double figures but the Wildcats couldn't maintain their offensive efficiency in the second half of an 80-74 loss against Southern University at New Orleans in a Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference game Thursday at the Castle.

Wiley (1-15, 0-8 HBCUAC) hasn't won since October 25 and hasn't won on the road since February 13, 2025, which was against SUNO. The loss snaps a three-game winning streak at The Castle and marks the first time the Wildcats have lost both regular season meetings against the Knights. 

Shamir Mosley led the offensive attack with 28 points, recording his fifth game and seventh in his career with 20 or more points. He hit 10 shots, including a career-high five 3-pointers. Amoni Waring followed with 18 points. Fourteen of his points came in the first half on four 3-pointers. He was limited offensively in the second half as he dealt with foul trouble. Shaquan Horsey recorded double figures for the second consecutive game with 10. He grabbed nine rebounds, leaving him one shy of his first career double-double. Cortez Collins provided a strong defensive performance with four blocks.

The Wildcats led by as many as eight in the first half, as they relied on their shooting beyond the arc, hitting nine of 13 attempts. Two missed shots and three turnovers allowed the Knights to pull within two. Wiley only hit two field goals in five minutes, which allowed SUNO to take the lead. The lead changed hands several times. The Wildcats led 40-37 with 1:38 remaining on a 3-pointer by Horsey. The Knights tied the game with a 3-pointer and took the lead with a jumper. Ka'Leb Connors got a layup in the closing seconds to go into the half tied at 42.

In the second half, Wiley was unable to match its success from 3-point territory, only hitting three of 10 attempts. It briefly led early in the second half on baskets by Horsey and Cortez Collins. Trailing 58-56 with 12:07 left, the Wildcats missed five shots and turned the ball over, which allowed the Knights to increase their lead to nine. Wiley would trail by as many as 11 with less than five minutes remaining. Mosley hit two 3-pointers and a jumper-and-one to cut the margin to two with 2:23 left. It only hit one shot and turned it over twice, which allowed SUNO to push the margin to eight.

The Wildcats were outshot 47 to 42.9 percent. They only made 15 of 39 two-point attempts (38.5%) which overshadowed its strong 3-point shooting. Wiley's bench was outscored 37-5. It was dominated on the boards 44-31 and were edged 17-16 in the turnover battle. The Knights outscored them 43-20 in second chance points and points off turnovers. 

Wiley will head to Dillard University for a 3 p.m. tip on Saturday. The Bleu Devils extended their winning streak to four with an 86-75 victory over the HBCUAC West leader Philander Smith.