WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College overwhelmed Randall University 110–56 on Saturday night in front of a packed Stewart Field House crowd that included 800 elementary school students from the Winfield community, improving to 2–0 in the annual Champions of Character Game.
The Moundbuilders raced to a 52–24 halftime lead and never looked back, shooting 63.2 percent (43 of 68) from the field while hitting 13 of 31 from beyond the arc. Southwestern dominated the glass 48–17 and poured in 58 points in the paint.
Wyatt Bell led the way with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting and seven rebounds. Evan Barber added 19 points, hitting five 3-pointers and dishing out four assists. Nigel John was perfect from the floor, finishing 7-for-7 with 17 points, as he anchored the paint for the Builders.
The Builders' depth was on full display, with 10 players scoring and five reaching double figures. Southwestern also recorded 22 assists on 43 made field goals and forced 10 Randall turnovers, converting them into 19 points.
Randall (0–4) struggled to keep pace despite 11 points from Cameron Hainrihar and 10 from Jaylan Jackson. The Saints shot just 35.3 percent (24 of 68) from the field and 17.4 percent (4 of 23) from long range while committing 21 personal fouls.
"This game is awesome—it's our way of giving back to the community," Bell said. "Every year, I think it has meant a little more to me to come out and play in front of these kids."
Head coach Matt O'Brien echoed that sentiment.
"It's the proudest day of the year for me," O'Brien said. "I think it's great for our basketball program, our college, and the entire community."
The contest was part of the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative, which promotes integrity, respect and sportsmanship—values that define the Southwestern program's approach on and off the court.
Southwestern (2–0) returns to action Thursday, Nov. 6, at 5:30 p.m. against Benedictine College (Kan.) in Lawrence, Kansas, to open play in the Haskell Indian Nations University Tournament. The Builders will also face Park University (Mo.) on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. in tournament play.
