MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Walters State Senators, one of the nation’s premier junior college men’s basketball teams, used a dominant offensive performance to hold off a persistent South Georgia State squad 93-84 on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The game’s most critical sequence came late in the second half with the outcome still in doubt. Leading 83-81 with under five minutes to play, the Senators executed a decisive 10-2 run to seize control. The surge was capped by a Brian Carter layup and four consecutive free throws from Taquez Butler, extending the lead to 93-83 and effectively sealing the victory for the home team.

Butler, the top star for Walters State, led all scorers with 22 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. His clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch, making all four attempts in the final 33 seconds, insulated the Senators from a late Hawks rally.

The victory improved top-ranked Walters State’s remarkable season record to 24-1, while South Georgia State fell to 18-9.

The contest was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Walters State won by shooting a blistering 60% from the field (33 of 55) and 42.9% from three-point range, overcoming a subpar 58.1% performance from the free-throw line. South Georgia State, by contrast, struggled from the floor at 40.7% but kept pace by attempting 36 free throws, making 29.

The Senators’ offensive rating of 121.2 points per 100 possessions dwarfed the Hawks’ 104.9, illustrating their scoring prowess. Walters State also dominated the glass, outrebounding South Georgia State 42-25, including a 14-6 advantage on the offensive boards that led to numerous second-chance opportunities.

Jeremy Anderson posted a double-double for South Georgia State with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Chandler Thomas added 19 points, and Dominick Wright contributed 14 points, all in the second half, including three three-pointers that kept the Hawks within striking distance.

For Walters State, Carter Webb provided a significant spark off the bench with 17 points, all in the second quarter, hitting five three-pointers. Carter finished with 15 points and six rebounds, while Da’Mori Lytch controlled the paint with 13 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Despite the final margin, South Georgia State challenged the heavily favored Senators throughout. The Hawks trailed 45-38 after a fast-paced first quarter and were down just seven at halftime, 93-84. Walters State’s ability to answer every Hawks run with efficient scoring, particularly from beyond the arc where they made 9 of 21 attempts, proved the difference.

The Senators’ depth and balance were on full display, with five players scoring in double figures. They also protected the ball better in key moments, committing only five turnovers in the second half after 16 in the first.

South Georgia State’s pressure defense forced 21 Walters State turnovers, leading to 10 steals, but it was not enough to overcome the Senators’ superior shooting and rebounding on their home floor. The Hawks have now lost two of their last three games after a five-game winning streak.

Walters State continues its march through the season, having won 13 consecutive games since its only loss to Motlow State on Jan. 14.