Leonard E. Dawson Human Resource Center, October 28, 2023 - The Leonard E. Dawson Human Resource Center was filled with anticipation as Voorhees University faced off against Ave Maria University in their home opener. However, it was Ave Maria that emerged victorious, putting on an impressive display and securing a 91-68 win.

Ave Maria's Dominant Start

Ave Maria University came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. They built an early lead, outscoring Voorhees 50-31 in the first half. Their sharpshooting from beyond the arc and effective ball movement left Voorhees struggling to keep pace.

Key Players Shine for Ave Maria

Ave Maria's Jonathan Effertz, Jack Watkins, and JR Cison made their presence felt. They combined for 34 points, with Effertz leading the way with 10 points, Watkins contributing 13, and Cison adding 12. Michael Klekas had a standout performance, leading all scorers with 20 points, while Nick Filchner's solid work on the boards resulted in nine rebounds.

Voorhees University's Effort Falls Short

Voorhees University's efforts to mount a comeback in the second half came up short. Julius Phillips led the team with 21 points, supported by Daethan Harris with 11 points and Bryce Wilson with 7. Despite their best efforts, Ave Maria's commanding lead proved insurmountable.

Shooting Discrepancy

Ave Maria's shooting prowess was on full display as they shot 50% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the three-point line. They were also efficient from the free-throw line, converting 65% of their attempts. In contrast, Voorhees University struggled with their shooting, hitting 35.8% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range.

Strong Defensive Performance

Ave Maria's defense was also a key factor in their victory. They limited Voorhees to just 70 points, forcing 18 turnovers and recording 5 steals. Their ability to disrupt Voorhees' offensive flow was a testament to their well-coached defensive strategy.

Looking Ahead

While Voorhees University may have come up short in their home opener, the season is young, and they have opportunities ahead to improve and compete at a high level. Ave Maria University, on the other hand, has set a strong tone for their season with this dominant victory.

As both teams look ahead to their next matchups, they will undoubtedly take valuable lessons from this game. Voorhees University will aim to regroup and work on their shooting and defensive strategies, while Ave Maria University will build on this success as they continue their journey in the season.