Philander Smith University Triumphs Over Christian Baptist College with Dominant Second Half Performance
Mims Gym, November 25, 2025 — Philander Smith University put on a commanding display in the second half to secure a 69-46 victory over Christian Baptist College. The win, which came on the heels of a sluggish first half, saw the Panthers outscore their opponents 47-29 after the break, showcasing their depth and efficiency in all phases of the game.
First Half Highlights: Defensive Battle
The game began as a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm. Christian Baptist College, playing on the road, was particularly slow out of the gate, managing just 10 points in the first quarter. Philander Smith University took a modest lead in the opening period, finishing ahead 14-10.
The second quarter was defined by tough, gritty defense from both sides. Neither team was able to generate significant offensive runs, as Philander Smith College held a slight 22-17 lead at halftime. Despite Christian Baptist College's offensive challenges, the defense kept them within striking distance, limiting Philander Smith to just 8 points in the second quarter.
Second Half Surge: A Game-Changer for Philander Smith
After the break, Philander Smith exploded offensively, putting the game out of reach with a 23-point effort in the third quarter. Isis Isom led the charge, contributing 15 of her game-high 26 points in the second half. The junior guard was efficient from the field, shooting 9-for-16 overall and an impressive 7-for-10 from beyond the arc. Her sharpshooting opened up the floor for the Panthers and helped extend their lead to a comfortable margin.
Philander Smith's offensive surge was fueled by the increased pace and ball movement. Their transition offense and ability to capitalize on Christian Baptist College's turnovers allowed them to build a commanding lead heading into the final period.
Christian Baptist College's Struggles and Resilience
Despite a valiant effort from Christian Baptist College's Raigan Head, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, the Lady Eagles could not keep up with the Panthers' offensive explosion. Head was the lone bright spot for the visitors, but she was forced to carry much of the scoring load, as the rest of the team struggled to find consistent scoring options.
The biggest issue for Christian Baptist College was their inability to shoot effectively, particularly from three-point range. The Lady Eagles finished the game shooting just 15.4% (2-13) from beyond the arc, which significantly hampered their ability to mount any significant comeback. Their overall shooting percentage was equally troubling, finishing at just 29.4% from the field.
Philander Smith, on the other hand, was far more efficient, connecting on 33.3% of their three-point attempts (7-21) and shooting 43.1% overall from the field. The Panthers' shooting efficiency and ability to create fast-break opportunities were key factors in their dominant second half.
Key Contributors and Team Performance
Isis Isom was the standout performer for Philander Smith University, delivering a complete game with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her scoring outburst in the second half helped seal the win.
Off the bench, Miracle Thomas provided a significant spark for the Panthers, contributing 10 points and a game-high 8 assists. Thomas's court vision and ability to facilitate the offense were critical in the second half, as she kept the ball moving and ensured the offense stayed fluid. Samya Johnson also added 9 points and 6 rebounds, playing an important supporting role in both the scoring and rebounding categories.
Defensively, Philander Smith was relentless, forcing 22 turnovers from Christian Baptist College and recording 13 steals. The Panthers' ability to disrupt the Lady Eagles' offense, particularly in the second half, was a crucial factor in their dominant performance.
Christian Baptist College, while struggling offensively, saw notable efforts from Addison Hudspeth and Cammi Christie, who both chipped in 6 points each. However, their combined efforts were not enough to overcome the Panthers' defensive pressure and efficient scoring.