Brown, McPherson lead Paul Quinn past Philander Smith in OT, 78–74
DALLAS — Zaire Brown delivered another commanding performance in the paint and Canai McPherson provided timely scoring as Paul Quinn outlasted Philander Smith (Ark.) 78–74 in overtime Saturday afternoon at the Health & Wellness Center.
Brown finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, converting a perfect 9 of 9 from the free-throw line, as the Tigers (11-3, 6-0) stayed unbeaten in conference play. Paul Quinn closed the game with a 10–6 advantage in overtime after Philander Smith had rallied with a 25-point fourth quarter to force the extra session.
McPherson led all scorers with 18 points, adding six rebounds and five steals while knocking down two 3-pointers. Aiyana Sams contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, and Emery Black was perfect from the field, scoring 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting to give Paul Quinn a balanced offensive attack.
Cierra Taylor filled the stat sheet with eight points, five assists, five steals and two blocks, while the Tigers also got strong play from Nyah Morgan, who added five points, three rebounds and a block off the bench.
Philander Smith (9-6, 4-2) was led by Miracle Thomas, who scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Samya Johnson, who added 16 points and nine rebounds. The Panthers outrebounded Paul Quinn 48–44, but struggled from the perimeter, shooting just 10.7% from 3-point range.
Paul Quinn shot 45.3% from the field and 40.9% from three, and made 21 of 25 free throws, using efficiency and late-game composure to secure the overtime victory.