MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State fell behind double digits to Roane State in the second half on Wednesday night and could not complete a comeback, falling 80-71.

With the loss, Walters State fell to 12-7 overall and 7-4 in TCCAA play. 

Roane State led by 12 just four minutes into the second half, but Walters State cut it to two just two minutes later. The Raiders would eventually got the lead back to 10 minutes to go, only for the Senators to cut it to six. Walters State had the ball but failed to score, and Roane State quickly rebuilt their lead and took the win.

Anthony Davis Jr. led the way for Walters State with 21 points, while Malaki Brooks had 13 and Da'Mori Lytch added 11 points. Other scorers for Walters State were Charvez Ambrose with 10, Aiden Goins with eight, Elijah Clinton with five and Carter Metz with three. 

The Senators came out flat to start and fell behind 10-2. Walters State would eventually get the lead at 14-12 thanks to a Clinton three, a Davis basket, an Ambrose basket and a free throw by Lytch. The teams were tied for the next two minutes, before Roane took control and went up 24-19. Not deterred, the Senators answered with five points from Davis to make it 24-24. 

From there, the two teams went back and forth before a last second three from Roane State gave them a 35-32 advantage. 

In the second half, Roane State went up 12 very quickly but Walters State got five points from Davis, an and-one by Lytch and an emphatic block and dunk on the ensuing possession from Lytch that cut the Roane State lead to 48-46. 

However, Roane State regained control and went back up 11. Walters State tried to hang around, cutting the lead to five after a Metz three, a free throw from Brooks and a Davis Jr. basket, but Roane State went back up 10 and held off one last charge from the Senators to take the win.

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action on Friday, hosting Moc Valley Prep. Tip is set for 5 pm.