BY JAY SLEDGE

Fueled by a loss to Cedarville on Monday, Wilberforce came out the gate showcasing their offensive firepower early, leading to a commanding 11-point lead at halftime. The Bulldogs were efficient on both ends, hitting 43.3% from the field and playing tight defense to keep Rust at bay.

The second half saw Rust (MS) fight back, outscoring Wilberforce 41-33 in the period. Rust's offense was propelled by the standout performance of Isiah McCallum, who scored 25 points on 8-11 shooting, and Kory Young, who contributed 17 points. Despite the impressive efforts from Rust, the Bulldogs held their ground, finishing with a 42-24 advantage on the boards.

Wilberforce's offense was balanced, with four players scoring in double digits. Senior standout Cali Davis, who is averaging 20 points across the team's first seven games, led the way with 22 points, shooting 6-14 from the field, and provided strong leadership with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Kyle Cardenas, a fellow senior who added 21 points, was a constant offensive threat, hitting 4-8 from three-point range. Germainn Marshall, the sophomore big man from Cleveland, contributed 11 points off 83% shooting plus 5 rebounds. Juniors Jessee Olverson Jr. and Rodney Sawyer also made significant contributions, adding 5 and 8 points, respectively, while helping on the glass and in the defensive effort.

Despite some struggles with turnovers and fouls, Wilberforce's defense was key in securing the victory. The team recorded 8 steals and 2 blocks, which helped limit Rust's scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs' resilience in the face of a determined Rust team allowed them to hold onto their lead in the final minutes. With this win, Wilberforce improves their record to 2-1 in the HBCUAC and4-3 overall as they head into the Thanksgiving holiday.