THRILLING HEARTBREAKER: Wildcats Drop Opener to Harris-Stowe

Canton, MO – The Culver-Stockton men’s basketball team opened its season at home in the Joe Charles Field House against the Harris-Stowe Hornets. The Wildcats battled in a back-and-forth contest but came up just short in a thrilling finish, unable to complete the comeback.

The Wildcat offense took some time to find its rhythm, shooting 35% from the field in the first half. Meanwhile, the defense struggled to slow down the Hornets, who shot an impressive 65% through the opening 20 minutes.

At halftime, Culver-Stockton trailed 57-42 but fought to cut into the deficit. With 7:45 remaining, Travis Green III drained a three-pointer to give the Wildcats their first lead since early in the game. However, the Hornets quickly answered with a three of their own to regain control. In the closing seconds, the Wildcats were forced to foul, and the Hornets converted both free throws to extend their lead to four. Green hit another three-pointer with just 1.5 seconds remaining, but Harris-Stowe held on to escape with an 89-88 win.

The Wildcats fall to 0-1 to start the season and will now head on a short road trip to face Hannibal-LaGrange on Friday, October 31st.

Coach Dorian Hobbs shared his focus heading into the next matchup:
“Learn from today, watch a lot of film from today,” said Hobbs. “Hannibal is a really well-coached team, and Coach Durst does a really good job over there.”

Travis Green III led the Wildcats in his debut with 31 points off the bench.
“He really showed his true colors today,” Hobbs said. “I’m very proud of that young man — he’s accepted coaching and his role.”

KEY STATS

Culver-Stockton
Points: Travis Green III – 31
Rebounds: Alex Jackson IV – 14
Assists: Ramzi Salem – 3

Harris-Stowe
Points: Shamar Carter – 19
Rebounds: Dimitrije Stojanovic, Ty Lampley – 8
Assists: Adolphus Cast – 4