Statesmen Take Down Rival Grand View in TP Game

Oskaloosa--The William Penn men's basketball team made a statement in the annual Toilet Paper Game, securing an 86-72 upset victory over Heart of America Athletic Conference rival Grand View on Wednesday night.

The Statesmen (11-16, 8-15 Heart) got off to a slow start as the Vikings (14-13, 12-11 Heart) opened with a 7-0 run. Jacore Williams (Jr., Little Rock, Ark., Business Management) put WPU on the board, sparking a dominant 23-5 surge that gave the hosts a commanding 23-12 lead. Grand View responded with a 23-16 stretch of its own, but William Penn maintained control, heading into halftime with a 39-35 advantage.

Manny Hammonds (So., Des Moines, Iowa, New Media) led the first-half charge with 11 points, while Williams made his presence felt with eight points and nine rebounds.

The second half was a back-and-forth battle early before the Statesmen seized momentum with a decisive 20-7 run, stretching their lead to 13. Both squads traded baskets down the stretch, but WPU capped the night with an 8-4 push to seal the rivalry win.

Hammonds and Yarayah Evans (Jr., Brooklyn, N.Y., Sports Management) paced the Statesmen with 15 points apiece, while Williams recorded his second consecutive double-double, finishing with 14 points and 14 rebounds. LeQuan Washington (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) contributed 11 points.

The Statesmen shot an efficient 50.0% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc, while Grand View kept pace at 48.1% and 40.0%, respectively. WPU struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 61.5% compared to the Vikings' 75.0%.

A dominant effort on the glass proved to be a difference-maker, as William Penn outrebounded Grand View 40-27, including a 13-4 edge in offensive boards. Those extra possessions led to 13 second-chance points for WPU, while the Vikings managed only three. The Statesmen also capitalized on turnovers, forcing 14 and converting them into 21 points, all while committing just eight giveaways themselves.

For the players, the rivalry win carried special meaning.

"This game was very personal because of all the past players," said Marcellus Bryant. "We wanted to show the past players that we appreciate everything they have done for us and the program." 

"This game meant so much to me and my team because of the tradition and the meaning behind it. The alumni came out and showed love, and the whole school and community did, too," said Jacore Williams. "It meant a lot to me to get the first bucket—it wasn't drawn up for me, but I ended up getting it. It just felt great to see the fans having fun, enjoying the moment, and watching us get back on top."

"I'm happy for all the players—they really put it all together tonight," Henry said. "Everyone involved, from the players, scout team, assistant coaches to game operations, sports information, administration, fans, and everyone else, made this a great night and environment."

Up Next: The Statesmen close out the regular season on Saturday, traveling to Baldwin City for a 2:00 p.m. Heart showdown against Baker.