Philander Smith Roars Back in Second Half to Defeat UVI, 80–71

November 15, 2025 — Mims Gym, Little Rock, AR

Philander Smith turned a slow start into a second-half surge on Saturday night, storming past the University of the Virgin Islands 80–71 behind a monster performance from Xavier Alexander and a wave of timely plays from the Panthers' supporting cast.

After trailing by eight at the break, the Panthers exploded for 49 second-half points, flipping the momentum and locking up another strong home victory inside Mims Gym.

UVI Controls Early, Panthers Respond Late

The Buccaneers came out sharp in the first half, shooting efficiently and spreading production across their rotation. UVI built a 39–31 halftime lead thanks to solid interior play and balanced scoring—five players ultimately finished in double figures.

But the second half belonged entirely to Philander Smith.

The Panthers amped up defensive pressure, tightened rebounding, and started stringing together transition buckets. They outscored UVI 49–32 over the final 20 minutes, controlling pace and finally breaking free of UVI's early rhythm.

Xavier Alexander Drops 37, Takes Over the Game

This one had a clear headliner.

Xavier Alexander delivered one of the most dominant scoring performances in recent Philander Smith memory—37 points on 13-of-19 shooting, including 7 made threes. When the Panthers needed a spark, he lit the fuse. When they needed a dagger, he delivered that too.

His scoring run in the second half—hitting tough jumpers, catch-and-shoot threes, and transition finishes—completely shifted the energy inside the gym.

Support Comes from Key Rotational Players

While Alexander stole the show, the Panthers' comeback was a team lift:

• Evan Alexander was electric off the bench with 14 points, going 7-for-11 from the floor and giving Philander Smith a critical scoring punch when shots weren't falling for others.

• D'Andre Lockett added 9 points, finishing strong around the rim and providing defensive activity.

• Raymond Reece posted a gritty 9 points and 15 rebounds, anchoring the glass and limiting UVI to single chances late.

• Kesean Washington chipped in 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, a classic glue-guy stat line that helped stabilize the offense.

Though some starters had off shooting nights, the collective effort—especially on defense—proved decisive.

Stat Breakdown

• FG%: PSU 40.3% | UVI 45.3%

• 3PT%: PSU 33.3% | UVI 38.9%

• FT%: PSU 63.6% | UVI 54.5%

• Rebounds: UVI +13 (46 to 33)

• Turnovers: PSU 9 | UVI 18

• Second-Half Points: PSU 49 | UVI 32

The turnover differential was the game's tipping point—Philander Smith turned giveaways into fast-break offense while protecting the ball on their end.