By Dylan Branscome
March 5, 2025 – The Davidson-Davie STORM advance to the Region 10 Tournament semifinal after securing a victory, 86-71, over the Central Carolina Cougars on Wednesday afternoon. Davidson is now 27-3 on the season and 16-2 in the conference.
The STORM were lead by Lamonte Cousar (26 points), Aden Taylor (22 points, 7 rebounds), and Jamaal Chrisp, (19 points, 12 rebounds) and a huge second half to overcome the Cougars and advance to the semifinals.
The first half was a rough outing for Davidson-Davie, opening the game on the losing end of a 10-0 run by the Cougars, the STORM shot 14% from three-point range and 31% overall, while also missing eight of their 22 free throw attempts in the first half. Compare that to the Cougar’s percentages, 40% from both the field and from three, while also shooting 90% from the free-throw line on 20 attempts, and you can see how the STORM were down 42-36 at the half.
The STORM was able to turn it around in the second half however, outscoring Central Carolina 50-29.While the free throw percentage did not increase (50%), the STORM focused on shooting more in the paint than from three,
which resulted in a much-improved 64% from the field. While Davidson-Davie did not shoot as many threes (6), they made four of them, resulting in a nice three-
point percentage of 66%.
It was also a better half defensively for the STORM. The Cougars shot considerably worse from the field, both the overall field goal percentage and the three-point percentage were under 30 percent, and even their free throw percentage decreased to 63%. Cousar was able to dominate from the field, as he has all season, shooting just over 50%, while also shooting 10/12 from the free-throw line. Taylor was able to shoot well from behind the arc (75%), while also grabbing five offensive rebounds. Chrisp also shot pretty well from the field (7/11) while also grabbing 12 rebounds to secure a double-double.
The STORM as a team caused 15 turnovers and scored 26 points off of those turnovers. They were also able to keep their continuous bench dominance going, as they outscored the Cougars 50-11 off the bench.
The STORM return to action on Thursday, March 6 in the Region 10 conference tournament semifinals against the Fayetteville Tech Trojans at 6:30 p.m. EST at Cape Fear Community College.