Men's Basketball Thumps Southern Union in Conference Opener
Decatur, AL — Calhoun men's basketball opened conference play with a dominant display Thursday night, overwhelming Southern Union 108–80 behind relentless defensive pressure and a high-octane offensive attack at Kelley Gymnasium. The Warhawks set the tone immediately and never let up, delivering one of their most complete performances of the season.
From the opening tip, Calhoun dictated pace and physicality. The Warhawks' swarming full-court press disrupted Southern Union throughout the first half, deliberately forcing turnovers and converting them into open-floor dunks and trips to the free-throw line. That pressure fueled a steady offensive rhythm, allowing Calhoun to build a 49–31 halftime advantage while keeping the Bison off balance on nearly every possession.
The second half only amplified the gap. Turnovers continued to snowball into fast-break finishes, while Calhoun's half-court execution turned possessions into clean looks from deep. The Warhawks pushed the tempo even further after the break, stretching the lead with a barrage of triples and highlight-reel finishes as Southern Union struggled to slow the momentum.
Jordan Johnson once again paced the Warhawks, finishing with 24 points and six assists while shooting an impressive 90% from the free-throw line. The exciting duo of Luke Mosely and Jackson Porch provided a major spark, combining for 26 points and each knocking down 75% of their attempts from beyond the arc. Their perimeter efficiency opened the floor and punished the Bison for collapsing against Calhoun's pressure.
Depth and defensive effort defined the night. Tahir Bond, Jeremiah Police, and Johnathan Johnson each took turns at the spear of the press, applying constant ball pressure and making impactful contributions across the box score. Their energy set the standard for a Calhoun team that never allowed Southern Union to find comfort or rhythm.
"What an exciting way to kick off conference play," remarked Calhoun Head Coach Derrick Powell when asked about his team's commitment to the defensive side of the ball. "We've been emphasizing the work on the defensive end, and the guys crushed it tonight. We forced a tough team into some tight spots and converted our opportunities. That's how we have to play to be who we want to be in this conference. I'm excited to get back to work and see if we can keep this rolling."
Calhoun (11-6) will hit the road next, traveling to Shelton State on Monday, January 19, for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.