White-Out Win for the Knights!  

Summary: 

The gym at Spurgeon was packed with family, friends, and fans dressed all in white to show support for the first home game of the basketball season. The student section was full of energy as the Knights faced off with and defeated Ozark Christian College.  

How it Happened: 

• Ozark made the first hoop, but the Knights were right behind them, Jackson King securing the first two points with a jump for Spurgeon.  

• The first half was tense, with fouls on both sides as the Knights quickly surpassed Ozark. Both teams played hard, but Spurgeon carried the lead. The Knights were ruthless on offense, dribbling down to Ozark's side of the court and never letting their opponents rest.  

• In the last five minutes of the first half, however, Ozark crept back up. Everyone had played hard, and the Knights were slowing down. Ozark seized the opportunity, and the half ended with the Knights in the lead by only five points.  

• The halftime game featured free throws and a giant connect-four, lightening the tension as everyone waited for the game to resume, wondering if the Knights would maintain the lead.  

• The second half started with Ozark charging ahead with two free throws and a 2-pointer. The Knights were only ahead by one point. Then, Drew Middleton took a rebound down the court and passed to Jude Warren, who scored a 3-pointer. 

• After that, the Knights were in the clear. The game remained heated on both sides, and the Knights didn't back down. The Knights took the win 111 – 82, twenty-nine points in the lead. What a fantastic first home game! 

Highlights: 

• Jude Warren was recognized at the beginning of the game for making his 1,000 point earlier in the week, a major milestone in his basketball career. He led this game in free-throw points (9), assists (11), and tied for rebounds (12). He made the second-most total points with 23. 

• Malikih Gillum led in total number of points made, with 26. He tied with Warren in rebounds and otherwise worked with Warren to keep the team mindful of defense and offense. 

• The best hoops for shot percentages went to Evan Deleon and Tyler Smith. Deleon led the game in number of three-pointers (5). Smith did not miss once during his minutes. 

• The work that this team has done in preparing for this season is so evident. Spurgeon fans are very proud and excited to see all that comes!  

Up Next:  

The Knights headed down to Texas to play a couple games before coming back to the Midwest and having a couple more home games before Thanksgiving break. More on these games soon!