Basketball Recap: Ian Brantley's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Southwestern over Jersey

Southwestern was the 54-48 winner over Jersey when they last played one another back in November of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Southwestern Piasa Birds fell 50-39 to the Jersey Panthers on Tuesday.

Southwestern's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ian Brantley, who posted 15 points along with eight boards and three blocks. Brantley has been hot for a while, having posted eight or more rebounds the last 11 times he's played. Ryan Lowis was another key player, putting up seven points and nine boards.

Jersey got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Jaxon Brunaugh out in front who went 6 for 13 en route to 21 points and six rebounds. That makes it three consecutive games in which Brunaugh has scored at least a third of Jersey's points. Another player making a difference was Aiden Kendall, who went 5 of 7 on his way to 15 points.

Southwestern's loss dropped their record down to 9-9. As for Jersey, their victory ended a nine-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 6-13.

Southwestern wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 62-51 win against Hillsboro on the 16th. Jersey has also already played their next match, a 66-45 defeat against Civic Memorial on the 17th.