Story Courtesy of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Athletics
DALTON, Ga. — The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball team made history on Friday, March 14, with a thrilling 74-67 victory over Dalton State (Ga.) in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. The win marks the first-ever NAIA National Tournament victory in any sport for SMWC and secures a spot in the Round of 32.
The Pomeroys, now 27-5 on the season, displayed outstanding team play, overcoming a tough Dalton State squad to advance to the next stage of the tournament. This victory also marks the first win by a Vigo County team in the NAIA National Tournament since Indiana State's 1963 victory over Parsons.
SMWC's victory over Dalton State also marks the Pomeroys' second all-time appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, with their previous appearance in 2021. With the win, SMWC advances to the Round of 32, where they will face either No. 16 Ave Maria (Fla.) or Xavier (La.) on Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m. ET at Bandy Gym in Dalton, Ga.
A victory in the next round will send the Pomeroys to the Sweet 16, to be held in Kansas City, Mo., at the historic Municipal Auditorium.
Top Performances:
Greg Jenkins led the Pomeroys with 18 points, contributing 7 rebounds and 3 assists while playing 36 minutes.
Shon Tupuola added 17 points and 9 rebounds, delivering a standout performance in both scoring and rebounding.
DaMeriz Merriweather posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while also providing critical leadership on both ends of the floor.
Taray Howell posted 15 points and hit a pair of key 3-pointers in the second half as SMWC was able to maintain its lead over the Roadrunners.
The Pomeroys came out strong, with Shon Tupuola scoring the first basket of the game and helping his team build a 6-2 advantage with a dunk at the 18:13 mark. However, Dalton State quickly fought back, with Antonio Lewis hitting several key free throws and a jumper to put his team in front 7-6 with just under 15 minutes remaining in the half.
The game remained tight throughout the first half, as both teams traded baskets. Tupuola and Damerriz Merriweather were key for SMWC, with Tupuola contributing 10 points and Merriweather adding timely baskets, including a 3-pointer at the 11:05 mark to give the visitors a 12-point lead. Dalton State responded with a quick 3-pointer from Tyshan Kelley and a jump shot from Omarrion Smith to narrow the gap.
The final moments of the first half saw a flurry of activity. A dunk by Tupuola and a jumper from Taray Howell helped St. Mary-Woods extend its lead to 31-25 with just under two minutes left. However, Dalton State's Qualen Pettus hit a jumper and Kelley drained a three-pointer to make it 33-30 as the clock wound down.
The second half began with both teams exchanging baskets, with the game tied early on. After a dunk from Greg Jenkins gave SMWC a five-point lead, Dalton State responded with Antonio Lewis hitting a three-pointer to narrow the gap.
However, it was the Pomeroys' depth and execution that carried them through the second period. A jumper from Shon Tupuola in the paint at the 15:29 mark stretched the lead to 41-33. Despite a strong effort from Dalton State, led by Qualen Pettus' offensive rebounding and key shots, SMWC continued to build on their lead, with Jenkins and Caleb Ihewukwu playing critical roles in maintaining control.
By the 7:14 mark, Pettus had brought Dalton State within one point after a dunk, making it 52-51 in favor of the Pomeroys. But the visiting team quickly responded with back-to-back buckets from Jenkins, including a jumper at the 8:34 mark to make it 52-49.
The final minutes were dominated by the Pomeroys' free-throw shooting, with Greg Johnson contributing key foul shots. The team's defense also tightened up, forcing turnovers and securing critical rebounds down the stretch.
Dalton State's Ricks Kawasiki made a final push with a three-pointer in the closing seconds, but it was not enough. Jenkins sealed the win for SMWC with free throws, making it 74-67 at the buzzer.