Warhorses fall short of comeback in home opener

Owen slips to 0-3 in 75-69 loss to Thomas Jefferson

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 29, 2023

Big shots were plentiful, Nov. 28, as Owen hosted its home basketball opener, but a late comeback attempt against Thomas Jefferson fell short, as the Warhorses slid to 0-3.

Owen, led by 22 points from sophomore guard Asante Martin, was unable to overcome a late push by the Gryphons, who improved to 1-1 in the 75:60 victory.

Boosted by a large home crowd, the Warhorses took an early lead in the contest, but Thomas Jefferson responded with a run in the second quarter. Owen was down by 8 points in the final minutes of the half, before back-to-back 3-pointers from junior Jack Wesley Burk, who finished the night with 21 points, cut the deficit to 38-36.

Junior Eli Lewkowicz and senior Daxon Mason were key contributors in the third quarter, as the Warhorses seized a 54-53 lead, but the Gryphons took control with a quick basket and transition layup to open the fourth.

Thomas Jefferson established a 5-point lead midway through the final frame, as the Warhorses mounted a final push that tied the score, 64-64, when Martin knocked down a 3-pointer from the corner. Martin would tie the game, 69-69, with a long range shot in the final minutes, but the Gryphons converted free throw opportunities in the closing seconds to hold on.

Owen will return to its home court at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1, when the Warhorses attempt to break into the win column against R-S Central.

Photos of the Warhorses’ 2023 home opener against Thomas Jefferson can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.