Jaguars Tourney Win Streak Ends in Championship Game

UNIVERSITY PARK, IL—Governors State's attempt at a "three-peat" came up short Saturday afternoon as the host Jaguars lost to William Penn, 90-66, in the Championship Game of the Jaguars Tip-Off Classic.

GSU entered the contest having won eight-straight Classic games dating to 2017, including the last two tourney titles. Led by Classic MVP Kevion Blaylock, the Statemen (2-0) put a close game out of reach mid-way through the second half in the first meeting between the schools. Despite the loss, GSU (1-1) still owns an .800 winning percentage (8-2) in its annual season-opening tournament.

Blaylock finished with 25 points, helping WPU compile a 65.7 shooting percentage over the final 20 minutes. Payton Harley paced the Jaguars with 16 points to earn a spot on the all-tournament team. The Jaguars shot just 32.4 percent from the floor and committed 21 turnovers. Three rookies made their debuts for the Orange and Black—freshman center Phil Holmes Jr., sophomore guard Dorwynn Smith III and junior guard Kionne Layne.

Governors State continues nonconference play this Wednesday, hosting Bethel at 5 p.m. at the Athletics and Recreation Center.