Warhawks Knock-Off Shelton State, 77-70

Decatur, AL – The Warhawks erased a 21-point deficit Monday night inside Kelley Gymnasium, storming back in the second half to upset Shelton State, 77-70.

Calhoun struggled out of the gate, missing early shots, coming out flat, and turning the ball over in the opening minutes. Shelton State, meanwhile, arrived locked in, knocking down perimeter shots and pushing the tempo throughout the first half. The Bucs built their lead to as much as 21 before the Warhawks showed signs of life late in the half.

A quick surge in the final two minutes, capped by a Jordan Johnson buzzer-beater, trimmed the deficit to 13 at the break and gave Calhoun much-needed momentum heading into the locker room.

What followed was a complete shift in energy.

Coming out of halftime, the Warhawks erupted for 20 quick points to take the lead early in the second half, fueled by relentless defensive pressure and tremendous energy from the home crowd. Possession after possession, Calhoun disrupted Shelton State's rhythm and turned defense into offense.

The game slowed over the final seven minutes, with frequent whistles interrupting the flow on both ends. But the Warhawks stayed composed, capitalizing at the free throw line to close out the 77-70 victory.

Tahir Bond sparked the turnaround with 17 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, setting the defensive tone throughout the second half. Jordan Johnson added 10 points and seven assists, as Calhoun's defensive pressure proved too much for the Bucs to overcome.

"These guys were dogs on defense tonight," head coach Derrick Powell said. "Our goal at halftime was to eliminate second chance points, and not only did we do that, but we started the half with three steals that we turned into buckets. That completely flipped the game. When we defend like that and play with that kind of edge, we're a tough team to beat."

Calhoun (15-10, 5-4) will travel to Coastal Alabama South (7-17, 2-7) on Thursday, Feb. 19 for a 7:30 p.m. tip.