AVE MARIA, Fla. (November 12, 2021) – The Webber International University men's basketball team traveled to Ave Maria University for its Sun Conference opener on Thursday night, resulting in a 71-79 defeat for the Warriors.
 
A slow start plagued the Warrior's (2-3 overall, 0-1 SUN) first half as they were held to just 17 points and 27% shooting. The Gyrenes (4-0, 1-0) wasted no time, scoring 35 first half points on 52% shooting and jumping out to an 18-point lead at halftime.
 
The Warriors picked it up offensively in the second half, but Ave Maria was right there keeping pace and maintaining its lead. The Gyrenes extended their lead even further in the second half as they saw out their 22-point victory, earning their first Sun Conference victory.
 
Tiyon Martin led the Warriors offensively, scoring 13 points, 11 of which came in the second half. He was followed by Terrence Lakes with 10 and Chinecherem Anukaenyi with eight. Anukaenyi also added a game-high nine rebounds followed by Martin with five.
 
Loro Natana had the only block for the Warriors while adding five points and three rebounds. Gabriel Divic and Benjamin Ross each added a steal on the defensive end as well.
 
"Definitely a tough road loss," spoke Head Coach Gabriel Rutledge. "Our guys struggled to match Ave Maria's energy early in the game and had to spend a lot of energy to make up for the hole we put ourselves in. I thought we showed competitive flashes but they did a great job putting together strong runs that we could not match. We will continue to grow, find new ways to battle, and compete at a higher level. Go Warriors."
 
The Warriors will now return home to face the Warner University Royals on Monday, November 15. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. inside the Sabbagh Athletic Center and it will be a Blackout Night, so those attending, be sure to wear black!