HICKORY, N.C. – Newberry put up a strong fight in its season finale, trading leads six times and keeping the game within reach before ultimately falling 98-85. The Wolves trailed 43-38 at halftime but remained competitive throughout, showcasing their offensive firepower and resilience.

Newberry (13-15, 10-14 SAC) delivered an impressive performance, shooting 45% from the field and knocking down 10 three-pointers. The Wolves were aggressive in attacking the basket, earning 39 trips to the free-throw line and converting 27 of them. Defensively, they forced turnovers and recorded 10 steals, creating fast-break opportunities that kept the game tight.

Drake Downs led the charge with 20 points, including a 9-of-12 effort from the free-throw line, while Drew Robinson added 18 points and four assists, hitting three shots from beyond the arc. Malakhi Stremlow made a strong impact inside, tallying 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds. James Lovorn provided a steady outside presence, sinking three three-pointers on his way to 13 points while also contributing two steals.

The game saw multiple momentum swings, with Newberry responding to runs with timely shooting and defensive stops. The Wolves capitalized on turnovers to generate fast-break points, and their balanced scoring effort helped them stay within striking distance. The Wolves showed improvement from last year, with their record being (8-17 overall, 7-13 SAC).