SILER DROPS 26 AS ROANE STATE CLAIMS CONFERENCE HOME OPENER

Roane State men's basketball secured its first conference home win of the season Saturday, outlasting Southwest Tennessee 74–65 in a physical matchup that showcased improved offensive flow, aggressive rim attacks, and the Raiders' strongest defensive performance of the year.

The Raiders (2-3, 1-1 TCCAA) controlled much of the night behind a breakout 26-point performance from freshman guard Towan Siler, who knocked down four 3-pointers and went a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Roane State's offense found rhythm early, opening with ball movement and balanced scoring to take a 38–34 halftime lead.

"I think we made some steps offensively as far as moving the basketball, playing more together," said head coach Alan Holt. "There was not enough of that teamwork though. We've got to get to where we can do it for a full 40 minutes instead of three- or four-minute stretches of performing well then not performing."

Roane State shot 39.6% from the field and 31% from the three-point line, but the difference came at the foul line, where the Raiders attacked relentlessly. Roane State earned 31 free-throw attempts—its second-highest total this season—and converted 27 of them, to shoot 87% on the evening.

"We stopped settling for shots later in the game," Holt said. "We've always prioritized getting paint touches and getting to the rim. We've been top 10 nationally in free-throw attempts and conversions multiple times in the last few years, and that's who we want to be. Against Southwest, we finally made people defend us instead of settling."

Sophomore forward Dashawn Hall-Johnson anchored the interior with 11 rebounds and nine points while battling through heavy contact. Mikey Carpenter added 12 points and knocked down five free throws, and Jalen Davis contributed eight points as well. Roane State's bench delivered timely minutes as well, highlighted by Adonai Mussie's five points and five boards.

"I think we're starting to figure out how hard we have to play," Holt said. "Defensively, things are similar to the offensive side—we have some good stretches and some really bad stretches. Right now, our offense dictates our defensive energy, and in a perfect world that should be flipped. When defense fuels your offense, that's when teams take big steps."

With their first conference victory secured, the Raiders quickly turn their attention to a fast-paced Motlow State squad that travels to Harriman on Wednesday night.

"It should be a high-scoring game," Holt said. "Motlow likes to speed up the tempo, trap, and force teams to play fast. Historically that's played into our favor, but we've got to take care of the basketball. Right now, we're averaging far more turnovers than assists. If we handle the ball, we will be fine."