Paul Quinn Edges McClennan 52–50 in Preseason Scrimmage Thriller
Dallas, Texas, October 18, 2025 In a tightly contested preseason matchup at the Paul Quinn College gym, the Tigers opened their 2025–26 men’s basketball campaign with a 52–50 scrimmage win over McClennan Community College. The afternoon game offered an early look at a poised and balanced Paul Quinn team that relied on defense, rebounding, and timely shooting to secure the narrow victory.
Balanced Effort Leads the Way
Senior guard John Harrison led the Tigers with 16 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and knocking down four of six attempts from beyond the arc. His outside shooting gave Paul Quinn the spark it needed early, helping the team jump out to a 29–24 halftime lead.
Behind Harrison, the Tigers found consistent contributions across the board. Trayion Fisher added 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including two three-pointers, while forward Isaiah McCallum was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, finishing with 8 points and 2 rebounds in just 17 minutes of action.
Ballard Runs the Show
Point guard Rhasod Ballard stuffed the stat sheet with a gritty all-around performance, posting 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Though his shooting touch (1-for-7) wasn't sharp, Ballard's leadership and playmaking steadied the Tigers during crucial stretches, particularly as McClennan mounted a late-game comeback.
Team Defense and Interior Presence
Defensively, Paul Quinn held McClennan to just 29.6% shooting from the floor and 27.8% from three-point range. The Tigers also dominated the glass, outrebounding the Highlanders 43–41, highlighted by Sherlock Padmore's 7 boards and solid help from McCallum and Fisher on the interior. Padmore was a defensive anchor throughout the game, finishing with 2 points, 7 rebounds, and a block, while limiting second-chance opportunities for McClennan.
McClennan's Top Performers
For the visiting Highlanders, guard A. Banks was the standout scorer, leading all players with 17 points, including four three-pointers on 6-for-12 shooting. Forward J. Burgess contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds, showing strength inside but struggling at the line (7-for-11).
Despite shooting only 46% from the free-throw line, McClennan battled until the final buzzer, trimming a seven-point deficit down to two in the closing minute before Paul Quinn's defense sealed the win.
Closing It Out
The Tigers' late-game composure proved the difference. Harrison hit a clutch three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to reclaim the lead, and the defense forced a pair of turnovers in the final 30 seconds to preserve the 52–50 result.
By the Numbers
- Field Goal %: PQC 45.2%, MCC 29.6%
- Three-Point %: PQC 31.8%, MCC 27.8%
- Free Throw %: PQC 53.8%, MCC 46.4%
- Rebounds: PQC 43, MCC 41
- Turnovers: PQC 19, MCC 9
- Assists: PQC 11, MCC 8
Looking Ahead
While just a scrimmage, the win highlighted the Tigers' defensive identity and emerging chemistry. Head coach [Name] will look to build on this performance as Paul Quinn prepares for its official season opener in early November.
If the Tigers' blend of veteran leadership and depth holds steady, Paul Quinn looks poised to compete strongly in HBCUAC play this winter.
Final Score: Paul Quinn 52, McClennan 50