Philander Smith Panthers using Gulf Coast Athletic Conference title loss as fuel for 2024 season
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Philander Smith men’s basketball team is one of the hottest teams in college basketball right now.
The Panthers just secured their 11th consecutive victory, beating the Fisk Bulldogs 87-60 this past Saturday. They now boast a 15-5 overall record and are 11-1 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play.
Philander Smith Panthers cruise to a 87-60 victory over Fisk, their 11th straight victory
Their winning ways are a result of heartbreaking losses. For the past two seasons, the Panthers have made it to the GCAC Championship with an automatic berth to the NAIA championship tournament on the line.
Unfortunately, one team has stood in their way: the Tougaloo Bulldogs. Last season, the Bulldogs beat the Panthers on a free throw to advance 62-61. In 2022, PSC hosted the conference tournament but fell to the Bulldogs 59-55 on their home floor.
With the wisdom and guidance of Razorback legend and former NBA player, Todd Day, Sr., as head coach and an offense that’s leading the conference in scoring at 77 points per game, the Panthers are determined to get over the hump in 2024.
FOX 16 Sports caught up with the team prior to their away game against Virgin Islands. The Panthers spoke about their win streak, how their conditioning and brotherhood has been the key to their success so far, Coach Day’s player background translating to the sidelines, and their hunger to get back to the GCAC championship for a third straight year and winning for the first time since 2013.
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