WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball team earned one of the biggest wins of its NAIA era on Saturday afternoon, knocking off
No. 25 nationally-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College, 95–91, at the Cumberlands Classic. The victory moves the Pomeroys to
6–4 on the season and extends their strong early-season momentum.
SMWC shot
51.5% from the field and buried
10 three-pointers, using a balanced scoring attack and timely second-half execution to hand the Grizzlies (9–3) just their third loss of the season. The Pomeroys held off a late GGC push by matching shot for shot in the final minutes and converting 10 free throws in the second half.
Three Pomeroys posted
18 points apiece to lead the offense:
- Ellis Todd finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and a team-high seven assists in 35 minutes.
- Taray Howell added 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting with three triples.
- Mike Ajukwa delivered one of the afternoon's most efficient performances, going 7-for-9 from the floor with 18 points and four rebounds.
SMWC's depth again proved decisive.
Jared Bonds scored nine points and grabbed five boards, while
Quamar Hobbs,
Ben Chestnut, and
Zayvion Baker combined for key bench contributions that helped the Pomeroys maintain momentum in both halves.
The Pomeroys played one of their cleanest offensive games of the season, committing just
13 turnovers while tallying
17 assists. SMWC also edged GGC on the glass, 36–35.
The first 20 minutes featured three ties and several lead changes before the Pomeroys closed the half on a surge, taking a 48–44 advantage into the break. Georgia Gwinnett rallied in the second half, hitting eight three-pointers after the break, but SMWC repeatedly responded—punctuated by clutch baskets from Ajukwa, Todd, and Howell.
A late defensive stand in the final 30 seconds sealed the upset as the Pomeroys secured the rebound on a missed Grizzly three and closed the game at the line.
The win marks SMWC's third victory over a ranked opponent in the past two seasons and provides major momentum heading into conference play.
Up Next
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods opens
River States Conference action on
Tuesday, December 16, traveling to
Brescia University (Ky.) for a
6 p.m. CT tipoff in Owensboro.
