BY JAY SLEDGE

Despite leading at points during the first half, the Bulldogs could not hold off the Yellow Jackets' second-half surge.

Cali Davis emerged as the Bulldogs' standout player, delivering a stellar performance with 19 points, including three crucial three-pointers. Davis also showcased his defensive prowess with five steals, disrupting Cedarville's rhythm throughout the game. Alongside him, Jamir Hymes proved to be a scoring force, contributing 18 points and pulling down three rebounds. Together, they led a balanced Wilberforce offense that kept the game competitive for much of the night.

The game saw several momentum shifts, with Wilberforce battling back after Cedarville's early runs. The Bulldogs took a six-point lead midway through the first half, showcasing their ability to capitalize on Cedarville's turnovers.  However, Cedarville responded with a late-half rally to edge ahead, 36-34, at halftime. In the second half, Wilberforce's struggles at the free-throw line and challenges in defending Cedarville's perimeter shooting allowed the Yellow Jackets to build a decisive lead in the final minutes.

Despite the outcome, Wilberforce demonstrated depth and potential. Rodney Sawyer added 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers, while Preston Steele's relentless hustle and defensive energy provided a spark off the bench. The Bulldogs will look to build on this performance as they prepare to jump back into conference play, aiming to turn their resilience into victories.