Men's Basketball 1/25/2024 7:09:00 AM

OAKWOOD MEN'S BASKETBALL HOPES TO SNAP 4-GAME LOSING STREAK TONIGHT AT PHILANDER SMITH

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Oakwood University men's basketball will try to snap its four-game losing streak tonight when it visits red-hot Philander Smith University in an important Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game. Tipoff is 7 at Mims Gymnasium.

The Ambassadors will be trying to avenge a 71-65 loss to the Panthers back on Dec. 7 at Ashby Auditorium. At the time, it was one of Oakwood's more spirited efforts of the season.

Coach Simon Jacob's team is looking for its first win in 2024. The Ambassadors fell 71-58 to Dillard University in its last outing.

Meanwhile, Philander Smith is currently on a nine-game winning streak and is a perfect 7-0 at home. The Panthers haven't lost since a 71-66 setback at Dillard on Dec. 2.

Judelin Prophete and Nicholas Kennard have been Oakwood's top players.

Prophete leads the Ambassadors in scoring (11.7), rebounding (7.5), assists (21) and blocks (49).

Kennard is averaging 9.9 points per game. He leads the team with 38 3-pointers and is shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc. Kennard is also 11-of-11 from the free throw line.

The Panthers are led by Raymond Reece, the GCAC preseason Player of the Year.

Reece is averaging 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds while shooting 66 percent (100-of-151) from the field. Christione Rufus and Derrick Woods are averaging 10.5 and 10.3 points, respectively.

After tonight's game, Oakwood continues its two-game road swing through Texas when it visits Wiley College (8-10, 4-6) Saturday night. Tipoff is 8.

The Ambassadors downed the Wildcats 83-73 back on Dec. 9 for their lone win of the season. Prophete and Kennard finished with 15 points apiece to lead Oakwood, which got a season-high 29 points from its bench and made a season-high 12 3-pointers.

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