Paul Quinn Falls Short in Season Opener Against Arlington Baptist University

Despite a strong shooting performance in the second half, Paul Quinn couldn't overcome Arlington Baptist's early lead. After trailing by 13 at halftime (46-33), the Tigers ramped up their offense, shooting 51.7% in the second half. Norris Williams led the charge for Paul Quinn, scoring 21 points with an impressive 7-of-16 from the field, including two 3-pointers and five assists. Williams' versatility was on full display, but his efforts couldn't bridge the gap established by Arlington Baptist.

Arlington Baptist's Davione Allen set the pace early with 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting, and Eric Conner was effective off the bench, adding 12 points. ABU's deep roster contributed 42 bench points compared to Paul Quinn's 21, allowing them to maintain momentum and counteract any shifts Paul Quinn attempted to initiate.

Defensive Challenges and Foul Trouble

The Tigers struggled on the boards, allowing Arlington Baptist to secure 53 rebounds, including 19 offensive rebounds. These rebounds converted into 25 second-chance points, underscoring Paul Quinn's challenges in controlling the paint and minimizing scoring opportunities. Paul Quinn's 27 fouls also complicated their comeback efforts, with some key players limited by foul trouble. Jason Parker fouled out late in the game after contributing five points and six rebounds.

Derrick Miller's defensive hustle was evident, as he added seven rebounds and a block, while John Harrison contributed four steals. However, Arlington Baptist's quick passing and efficient perimeter play kept Paul Quinn on their heels, especially in the first half when they shot 48.4% from the field. Arlington Baptist's Trey Walters was a threat from beyond the arc, hitting three of six 3-point attempts to extend the lead early.

Bright Spots in the Loss

Although the season opener didn't end in victory, Paul Quinn displayed glimpses of potential. Freshman guard Jeb Tobin put up an efficient 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, providing a spark off the bench. Tobin's contribution and Williams' leadership hints at a balanced offense that could develop as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Paul Quinn showed resilience, outscoring Arlington Baptist 42-38 in the second half and improving their field goal percentage from 40.0% in the first half to 51.7% in the second.

As Paul Quinn looks ahead, head coach [insert coach's name here if known] will likely emphasize defensive adjustments and rebounding in practice, which could make the difference in tight matchups.

Final Takeaway

The 2024-25 season opener offered Paul Quinn a mix of challenges and positives. Despite falling short to Arlington Baptist, the Tigers' second-half improvements and individual performances lay a foundation for growth. The team will aim to build on these strengths and tighten up their defensive game as they prepare for their next contest. With support from the Paul Quinn community, the Tigers are poised for a competitive season ahead.