The Olive-Harvey Panthers earned a hard-fought 84-76 victory over the Truman Falcons on January 28, 2025, improving their record to 7-16. The Panthers used a strong first-half performance and balanced scoring to fend off a second-half rally from the Falcons.

Leading the way for Olive-Harvey was Christopher Hammond Jr., who scored 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Hammond Jr. was also active on the boards, grabbing 6 rebounds, while adding 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in a complete all-around effort.

Jessie Bates contributed 12 points, connecting on 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-7 from the free-throw line. Bates also dished out 2 assists but struggled with 7 turnovers as the Falcons’ defense applied pressure throughout the game.

JCarey Spates chipped in with 11 points, knocking down 3-of-6 from long range, while Jediah Johnson and Reggie Rice added 8 points each, giving the Panthers much-needed contributions from their supporting cast.

Truman mounted a strong second-half comeback after trailing by 10 at halftime, cutting the deficit to just a few points. However, Olive-Harvey held their ground with solid shooting, converting 50.0% of their field goals (30-of-60) and 31.4% from three-point range (11-of-35).

Defensively, Olive-Harvey forced 7 steals and controlled the rebounding battle with a 33-20 advantage. Jediah Johnson and Jahiem Hayman were key on the glass, each pulling down 7 rebounds.

Truman’s offensive efforts were led by a strong second-half performance, but Olive-Harvey’s early 42-point first half was too much for the Falcons to overcome. Both teams exchanged buckets in a high-scoring second half, with Olive-Harvey maintaining their lead to secure the win.