BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Webber International University Warriors basketball team hosted Warner University in The Sun Conference Tournament opening round. The Warriors advanced past the Royals with a final score of 90-78.

In the first half the Warriors put the first points on the board as Sean Jowers scored in the paint assisted by Raymond Durant. The Royals gained the lead after hitting a quick shot from beyond the arc. Webber drove down the court and Aaron Terry scored in the paint. The Warriors extended their lead to as much as 17 points the rest of the half. With time running out the Royals rallied and cut the lead to 11 points. The Warriors headed into the half time break up 48-37.

After the half the Royals fought back to within two points of the Warriors only to see the Webber run up the score again. Webber had a comfortable double digit lead for the majority of the second half. It was due to great defense and unselfish play by all on the court. Late in the game with less than a minute remaining Coach John Shoffner put in Kirk Funnell, a senior Forward, after much encouragement from the crowd. Funnell scored his first career points and the final points of the game from beyond the arc with :02 seconds left to play ending the game 90-78.

Leading the Warriors on the court were: Aaron Terry with a double-double scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. He also had two blocks, two assists, and a steal; Nathaniel Morrell also had a double-double with 11 assists and 16 points while also securing seven rebounds; Sean Jowers scored 19 points with three rebounds and one blocked shot; Raymond Durant scored 14 points with three rebounds and five assists.

The Warriors record improves to 10-20 overall and the Royals record falls to 11-19 overall.

The Warriors will return to action on Saturday, March 1 as they play the #2 seeded Southeastern Fire in Lakeland starting at 7:00 p.m.