The LeMoyne-Owen College men's basketball team delivered a season defined by resilience, growth and meaningful progress under the leadership of head coach Faragi Phillips. Finishing with a 17 - 14 overall record and a 13 - 11 mark in conference play, the Magicians secured their best season in the past three years while reestablishing themselves as a competitive force within the conference.
A key component of the team's success was its consistency at home, where the Magicians posted an impressive 10 - 5 record. That home court advantage played a significant role in building confidence and momentum throughout the season. Their strong play earned them the third seed in the SIAC Tournament, and they advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in five seasons, marking a notable step forward for the program.
The Magicians also made a statement in rivalry match-ups, dominating Rust College in both meetings with an average margin of victory of 26.5 points. They further solidified their standing within the state by completing a season sweep of Lane College, reinforcing their competitive edge in key contests.
Defensively, LeMoyne-Owen established itself as one of the top units in the nation. The Magicians finished 10th nationally in scoring defense, a testament to their discipline, communication, and effort on that end of the floor. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses was equally impactful, as they ranked 25th in the country in turnovers forced per game with an average of 15.93.
Another defining strength of the team was its depth. The Magicians' bench played a crucial role in their success, providing timely scoring that often proved decisive in close games. Ranking 45th nationally and third in the conference in bench points per game, the second unit consistently delivered when called upon.
Individually, junior guard LaDricus Pittman emerged as a standout performer. Averaging 17.0 points per game, he finished fifth in the conference in scoring while also ranking sixth in free throw percentage at 82.3 percent. His contributions earned him a well deserved selection to the SIAC Second Team. Freshman guard Desmond Bratcher Jr. also made an immediate impact, earning recognition on the SIAC All Freshman Team and signaling a bright future for the program.
As the season comes to a close, the Magicians have laid a strong foundation for continued success. With a balanced roster, a commitment to defense and a culture of resilience, LeMoyne-Owen has positioned itself for even greater achievements in the seasons ahead.
