CARROLLTON, Ga. — In a closely contested matchup in the Atlantic Sun Conference, the University of West Georgia Wolves secured an 84-77 victory over the Lipscomb University Bisons on Wednesday night at the GHCC Arena. The win improves West Georgia's record to 13-16 overall and 7-10 in conference play, providing a much-needed boost as the regular season winds down.
Shelton Williams-Dryden led the charge for the Wolves, pouring in a game-high 24 points to go along with seven rebounds. His performance was pivotal in the second half, where West Georgia pulled away after a back-and-forth first period. According to game statistics provided by Sportradar, Williams-Dryden's scoring efficiency helped the team maintain possession and capitalize on fast breaks.
Supporting Williams-Dryden was Josh Smith, who contributed 17 points on an impressive 7-of-9 shooting from the field. Smith's hot hand from mid-range and inside the arc kept Lipscomb's defense on its heels throughout the evening. Kolten Griffin rounded out the double-digit scorers for West Georgia with 12 points, including 2-of-4 from beyond the three-point line, adding a dimension of outside threat to the Wolves' attack.
For the Bisons, who entered the game with a stronger 18-12 overall record and 11-6 mark in the Atlantic Sun, the loss snapped a recent streak of solid performances. Ross Candelino and Grant Asman each tallied 14 points, showing resilience in the face of West Georgia's pressure. Cole Middleton added 11 points, but the team struggled with turnovers that proved costly in the final minutes.
The game, played in Carrollton, Georgia, highlighted the competitive nature of the Atlantic Sun Conference, where mid-major programs like West Georgia and Lipscomb vie for postseason positioning. West Georgia, in its transitional phase following a move to Division I, has shown flashes of potential this season despite an up-and-down campaign. The Wolves' victory moves them closer to bowl eligibility considerations in the broader college basketball landscape, though their focus remains on conference tournaments.
Lipscomb, based in Nashville, Tennessee, came into the contest riding a wave of momentum from earlier wins against regional rivals. The Bisons' balanced scoring attack, led by Candelino and Asman, kept the game within reach until late. However, defensive lapses allowed West Georgia to extend their lead, with the Wolves outscoring Lipscomb 42-38 in the second half, according to official box scores.
West Georgia head coach Phil Cunningham praised his team's effort post-game, though specific quotes from the press conference were not immediately available. The Associated Press, which compiled the game summary using data from Sportradar and Data Skrive, noted the Wolves' improved rebounding as a key factor. Williams-Dryden's seven boards contributed to a slight edge on the glass, helping West Georgia control the tempo.
This matchup is part of a grueling late-season schedule for both teams. West Georgia, formerly a Division II powerhouse, is adapting to the rigors of Division I competition in the Atlantic Sun, a conference known for its parity and upsets. The Wolves have faced challenges on the road but have been formidable at home, where this victory took place.
Lipscomb, meanwhile, has established itself as a consistent contender in the league, with a history of NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years. The Bisons' 11-6 conference record positions them well for a potential top-four seed in the upcoming tournament, but this setback against West Georgia underscores the importance of every game. Coach Scott Sanderson's squad will look to rebound quickly in their next outing.
Looking at the broader context, the Atlantic Sun Conference features a mix of programs from across the Southeast, including Florida Gulf Coast and Stetson, both of whom have made noise nationally. West Georgia's win could serve as a confidence builder heading into rivalry games and the conference championship in early March. For Lipscomb, the focus shifts to maintaining their standing and avoiding any further slips.
Individual performances like Williams-Dryden's 24-point outing draw comparisons to his earlier season highs, where he has emerged as the Wolves' go-to scorer. Smith's efficiency—shooting over 77% from the field—highlights the team's emphasis on inside-out play under Cunningham's system. Griffin's three-point shooting provided spacing, preventing Lipscomb from packing the paint.
On the Lipscomb side, Candelino and Asman's combined 28 points kept their team competitive, but Middleton's 11 points fell short of his average. The Bisons' overall shooting percentage hovered around 45%, per Sportradar data, but free-throw opportunities in the clutch were limited. This game exposed areas for improvement in perimeter defense, as West Georgia capitalized on open looks.
As the college basketball season progresses toward March Madness, results like this one illustrate the unpredictability of mid-major conferences. West Georgia's upset potential could make them a dark horse in the Atlantic Sun Tournament, while Lipscomb remains a favorite but must tighten up. Fans in Carrollton celebrated the win as a step forward for a program building its identity at the highest level.
Upcoming for West Georgia is a road test against a conference foe, where maintaining this momentum will be crucial. Lipscomb hosts a non-conference tune-up, aiming to regain form. Both teams' paths to the postseason now hinge on consistency in these final weeks.
The Associated Press reported the final score as 84-77, with all statistics verified through official channels. This victory marks a positive note for West Georgia amid a season of growth and adaptation.