MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive men’s basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in dramatic fashion Monday night, as Matt Kirby delivered a game-winning shot with just 0.2 seconds remaining to lift the Trojans to an electrifying 89-86 victory over Shaw University inside Kornegay Arena.
In a season opener that came down to the final moments, Mount Olive (1-0) held off a determined Shaw squad (0-1) to secure its first victory of the new campaign.
The Trojans controlled much of the opening half, building a 40-31 advantage heading into the locker room. Mount Olive maintained its momentum early in the second half, but the Bears refused to go quietly.
Shaw steadily chipped away at the deficit before tying the game at 86-86 in the closing seconds, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
With the game hanging in the balance, Kirby stepped up and delivered the decisive basket with just two-tenths of a second left on the clock, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Kirby finished the night with 17 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and connecting on a three-pointer. He was also perfect from the free-throw line, making all four attempts, while adding four rebounds and an assist.
Trojans Deliver Balanced Offensive Attack
While Kirby provided the late-game heroics, Mount Olive benefited from a balanced offensive performance that saw four players score in double figures.
Christian Ananaba led the Trojans with 19 points, connecting on 6-of-11 field goal attempts and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Chaise Smith contributed 16 points, including eight successful free throws, while Chase Williams added 12 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting performance. Dante Kiesenhofer chipped in nine points.
As a team, Mount Olive shot an impressive 51.8 percent from the floor, making 29 of 56 attempts. The Trojans also took advantage of opportunities at the charity stripe, converting 29 of 39 free throws.
Mount Olive held a narrow 37-34 rebounding advantage and received a significant boost from its bench, which accounted for 37 points.
Shaw Battles Until the Final Seconds
Despite the loss, Shaw kept the pressure on Mount Olive throughout the second half.
Darius Abraham led the Bears with 20 points, while Alijah England added 15 and Daniel Lans finished with 14.
Tamari Rowland recorded a double-double for Shaw, contributing 12 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.
The Bears’ second-half comeback nearly spoiled Mount Olive’s home opener, but Kirby’s clutch performance ensured the Trojans would begin their season on a winning note.
Up Next for Mount Olive
The Trojans will look to build on their opening-night victory when they return to action against Augusta University in the 45-Classic in Wilson, North Carolina.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
With a thrilling victory already in the books, Mount Olive begins the 2026-27 campaign with momentum and a memorable finish that fans inside Kornegay Arena won’t soon forget.
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