Wallace State Shows Its Edge Late, Holds Off Southern Union 93-89 on the Road

Wallace State Shows Its Edge Late, Holds Off Southern Union 93-89 on the Road
WADLEY — In February, on the road, in a tight conference game, this is where identity shows.

Wallace State didn't just survive Thursday night. The Lions executed, rebounded, and closed.

Behind a balanced offensive attack and a dominant effort on the glass, Wallace State outlasted Southern Union 93-89 in a back-and-forth battle that featured 10 lead changes, a 36-point explosion from the opposition's top scorer, and a final stretch defined by composure.

Poise in Winning Time

With the margin razor-thin inside the final minutes, Wallace State leaned on its two primary playmakers, and they delivered.

Jaeden Rush scored 22 points, while Trey Knight controlled the tempo throughout with 21 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. The duo combined for 23 second-half points, repeatedly answering Southern Union runs and ultimately sealing the game at the free-throw line.

Knight, in particular, dictated the game's rhythm, probing the defense, creating angles, and finding shooters, while also stepping in as a scorer when possessions broke down.

Madden Anchors the Interior

If Knight and Rush handled the perimeter, Viczavious Madden owned the paint.

The sophomore forward finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, adding two blocks and two steals in a performance that altered the game defensively. When Southern Union made its push early in the second half, it was Madden's presence that stabilized Wallace State, contesting shots, securing rebounds and eliminating second-chance opportunities.

His impact was most evident in the margins.

Winning the Possession Battle

In a four-point game, the difference was subtle but decisive.

• Rebounds: Wallace State 40, Southern Union 28

• Turnovers: Wallace State 10, Southern Union 15

• Field Goal %: Wallace State 45%, Southern Union 42%

Wallace State's +12 advantage on the glass limited Southern Union to one-shot possessions for long stretches, while their ability to protect the ball created extra scoring opportunities.

Tyson Barrett nearly posted a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, while Austin Davenport added six boards and interior toughness off the bench.

Depth Makes the Difference

While the stars delivered, Wallace State's depth ensured the Lions never lost control.

Kylen Clark and Tony Wilson each added nine points, spacing the floor and capitalizing on kick-out opportunities created by Knight's penetration. Sawyer Griffin contributed three points and two assists, while the rotation collectively accounted for 16 assists on 35 made baskets; a reflection of the Lions' unselfish approach.

A First-Half Shootout

The game opened at a blistering pace.

Southern Union's KJ Johnson erupted for 24 first-half points, scoring at all three levels and keeping the Bison within striking distance. But Wallace State countered with balance; five players scored in the opening half, with Knight leading the way with 15 points and five assists.

That balance helped the Lions carry a narrow lead into halftime, and, ultimately, withstand every push that followed.

The Takeaway

This wasn't a perfect performance. It was something more valuable.

On the road, in a high-possession game against a team riding a dominant individual performance, Wallace State controlled what it could: the glass, the ball, and the final minutes.

And in games like this, that's the difference.

For a Lions team with postseason aspirations, Thursday night offered a clear blueprint: defend, rebound, share the ball, and trust your closers when it matters most.