W men’s basketball falls to Alabama A&M in exhibition

The W men’s basketball team lost 103-47 to Alabama A&M in an exhibition Friday at the AAMU Event Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The game gave the Owls an early look at their 2026-27 lineup against an NCAA Division I opponent.

The W stayed within single digits early in the first half. Newcomer Evrad Makendi made two free throws to bring the Owls within 20-12 with 8:57 remaining. Alabama A&M used its size advantage to extend the lead to 46-23 by halftime, then widened the margin after the break.

Joe Haze Austin paced the Owls with eight points and nine rebounds. The returning player also had a block, a steal and an assist. Tyler Shephard, another returner, scored eight points and added five steals, two assists and a block. Makendi finished with seven points and four blocks, while Ridge Harrison scored six points in his return to his home state.

First-year coach Bernard Hopkins said the team competed hard in its first game against an outside opponent after weeks of practicing against one another. He said the Division I team’s size and athleticism, along with the arena atmosphere, may have surprised some players.

Hopkins used all 16 available players, and 10 played at least 10 minutes. Austin led the team with 30 minutes. The coach said the Owls need to improve their offensive execution, avoid unforced turnovers and box out and rebound more effectively. He said the team would review game video to identify mistakes and corrections.

The W’s official season opener was listed for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Huntingdon College.

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