Game Preview: Lions Host Gordon State in Early-Season Non-Conference Test Tuesday

Lions Host Gordon State in Early-Season Non-Conference Test Tuesday

By Russell Frye / Wallace State Community College

HANCEVILLE – Wallace State men's basketball will step back onto its home floor Tuesday, Dec. 2, when the Lions welcome Gordon State College for a key early-season non-conference showdown at Traditions Bank Arena inside Tom Drake Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. in Hanceville and will stream on the Wallace State YouTube channel. 

It's another measuring-stick night for a Wallace State program coming off a historic 26–6 campaign and an ACCC championship in 2024–25, and which has once again challenged itself with a demanding November schedule that included neutral-site and road dates against Northwest Florida State and Pensacola State at the Pensacola State Thanksgiving Classic. 

High-octane Lions look to bounce back at home

Through the opening weeks of the 2025–26 season, Wallace State has resembled its recent offensive juggernaut form. NJCAA statistics show the Lions averaging right around 100 points per game and shooting better than 48 percent from the field, putting them among the top scoring attacks in NJCAA Division I. 

That up-tempo style has been fueled by a deep rotation and balanced scoring. Sophomore guard Zay Madden has emerged as a go-to option on the perimeter after his 29-point outburst earlier this month against Northeast Mississippi, while forward Tyson Barrett has provided a physical presence in the paint with multiple double-double performances. Fellow guard Jaeden Rush and floor general Trey Knight give the Lions additional scoring punch and playmaking on the perimeter, with Knight also serving as the primary facilitator. (Player game details from previous Wallace State recaps provided.)

After a strong start that included a neutral-site win over Andrew College, Wallace State hit a bump during Thanksgiving week with back-to-back losses to Northwest Florida State (100–82) and Pensacola State (74–66) in Pensacola. Tuesday's game gives the Lions an immediate opportunity to respond in front of their home fans and reassert their offensive rhythm.

Scouting Gordon State

Gordon State enters the matchup out of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) as an early-season threat in the region. The Highlanders sit at 3–1 overall, according to the Gordon State schedule page, and have been efficient on both ends of the floor. 

NJCAA team statistics show Gordon State averaging 81.8 points per game, shooting 50.2 percent from the field, and a blistering 45.0 percent from three-point range, while knocking down 76.0 percent of their free throws. That shooting profile makes them particularly dangerous in a road environment; if the Highlanders get comfortable from deep, they have the firepower to trade baskets with anyone.

On the glass, Gordon State pulls down nearly 35 rebounds per game, with about 11 assists per outing, numbers that suggest a balanced, share-the-ball approach rather than a one-man show. For Wallace State, limiting second-chance opportunities and running three-point shooters off the line will be critical points of emphasis.

Key storylines to watch

• Tempo vs. efficiency:
  Wallace State thrives in a fast-paced, high-possession game, pushing the ball after misses and makes alike. Gordon State, meanwhile, pairs solid tempo with elite shooting efficiency. Whichever team is more comfortable dictating pace will likely have the upper hand. 

• Rebounding battle:
  The Lions have traditionally been strong on the boards under head coach Allen Sharpe, and early-season numbers again place them among the better rebounding teams nationally. Gordon State's nearly 40 rebounds per night means this could be a physical night inside, with extra possessions potentially swinging the outcome. 

• Responding to adversity:
  After a red-hot start, Wallace State's Florida swing provided the first real adversity of the season. How the Lions respond at home—especially defensively and in late-game execution—will say a lot about their trajectory heading into December and into the bulk of ACCC play. 

If You Go

• Who: Wallace State Community College vs. Gordon State College

• What: NJCAA Division I men's basketball non-conference game

• When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. CT

• Where: Traditions Bank Arena at Tom Drake Coliseum, Hanceville, Ala. 

• Watch: Live stream on the Wallace State YouTube channel (Wallace State Athletics). 

The matchup offers local fans another chance to see one of the nation's most entertaining junior-college programs at home as the Lions look to build momentum heading into a busy December slate.