Key Takeaways

• Bryce Hopkins scored 26 points to lead the Panthers to victory
• Oziyah Sellers added 22 points and grabbed key rebounds
• Strong defense and team play secured an 88-77 win
• Hopkins’s late surge thrilled fans and boosted team morale

Last night, the Panthers beat the Eagles 88-77. Bryce Hopkins starred with 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished four assists. In addition, the team played tough defense. As a result, they held the Eagles to under 40 percent shooting. With strong teamwork and energy, they controlled the game from start to finish.

How Bryce Hopkins Dominated the Game

From the opening tip, Bryce Hopkins looked unstoppable. He attacked the rim, sank midrange jumpers, and hit three free throws. By halftime, he had scored 14 points. Moreover, he sparked the Panthers on both ends of the floor. His quick hands led to three steals in the first half alone. In the third quarter, Hopkins continued his hot shooting. Indeed, he drilled a deep three that gave his team a ten-point lead.

Bryce Hopkins never slowed down in crunch time. With under five minutes left, he scored eight points in a two-minute span. Consequently, the Eagles could not mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Hopkins showed great court vision. He found open teammates when defenders collapsed on him. Therefore, he finished with four assists. Clearly, Hopkins’s balanced play made a big impact on the win.

Oziyah Sellers Shines with 22 Points

While Bryce Hopkins grabbed headlines, Oziyah Sellers also posted a huge night. He scored 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting. In addition, he pulled down six rebounds. Early in the second quarter, Sellers hit back-to-back three-pointers. That surge kept the Panthers ahead. Then, he contributed with a highlight reel block on the other end.

Sellers played with poise and energy. He set solid screens that freed up Hopkins for shots. Also, he moved well without the ball. Thanks to his off-ball cuts, Sellers earned easy layups in the paint. Overall, his strong presence balanced the Panthers’ attack.

Team Defense and Key Moments

Defense played a huge role in this victory. The Panthers forced 14 turnovers and scored 20 points off them. For instance, mid-quarter steals led to easy fast-break baskets. Moreover, the bench unit delivered key stops. They held the Eagles scoreless for a five-minute stretch in the fourth quarter.

A crucial moment came when the Panthers led by just six points with six minutes remaining. Then, Hopkins made a contested three, and Sellers grabbed the offensive rebound. Subsequently, he dished to a teammate for another bucket. In turn, the lead grew to double digits. From that point, the Panthers never looked back.

What This Win Means for the Season

This win boosts the Panthers’ confidence. They improved to 8-2 on the season and hold a three-game winning streak. Furthermore, they have now won four straight home games. With strong play from Bryce Hopkins and Oziyah Sellers, the team aims for a top conference finish.

Coach Riley praised his players after the game. He said, “Bryce Hopkins led by example tonight. His energy set the tone. Our defense followed, and we got the result we wanted.” Next up, the Panthers travel to face a tough rival. Should they keep this level of play, they will stay among the nation’s best teams.

Fans React to Hopkins’s Performance

Fans filled the arena with cheers once Bryce Hopkins nailed his late three. Social media lit up with praise for his clutch play. Many said they had never seen a college player perform so calmly under pressure. Kids wearing number 2 jerseys flooded the stands, hoping to mimic his style.

After the game, Hopkins took time to sign autographs and pose for photos. He told reporters, “I just trust my teammates. We practice hard, and we believe in each other.” His humble tone won over even more fans.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers face a road test next week against the Tigers. They will need another big night from Bryce Hopkins. Yet, they can also count on Oziyah Sellers and a deep bench. If their defense stays sharp, they stand a real chance to win on the road.

Moreover, this season has shown the team’s resilience. They responded well after a tough loss two weeks ago. Now, they look like genuine contenders. In short, with Hopkins in top form, the sky is the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bryce Hopkins such a strong scorer?

Bryce Hopkins combines quick footwork, a smooth shot, and strong court vision. His ability to attack the rim and shoot from range keeps defenders off balance.

How did Oziyah Sellers help the team besides scoring?

Oziyah Sellers set solid screens, grabbed key rebounds, and played tough defense. His off-ball movement also created scoring chances for teammates.

What key defensive stats stood out in the win?

The Panthers forced 14 turnovers and scored 20 points off them. They held the Eagles to under 40 percent shooting and limited second-chance points.

What’s next for the Panthers after this victory?

Next, the team faces the Tigers on the road. They will aim to keep Bryce Hopkins’s momentum and build on their strong defensive play. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/25/no-14-st-johns-hands-baylor-its-1st-loss-cruising-to-96-81-win-at-players-era-championship/