Wofford’s 95–84 victory over VMI reinforced the Terriers’ march toward an undefeated SoCon campaign.
On Valentine’s Day 2019, Wofford delivered a statement performance at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, defeating VMI to secure its 13th consecutive victory and improve to 22–4 overall and a perfect 14–0 in Southern Conference play.
The final score read 95–84, but the path to victory revealed both dominance and resilience—hallmarks of a championship team.
First-Half Sets the Tone
Wofford wasted little time asserting control. By halftime, the Terriers built a commanding 53–28 advantage, leading by 25 points. The offense was crisp, balanced, and efficient. All 10 players who saw action scored at least five points, underscoring the depth that would define the 2018–19 squad.
Sophomore point guard Storm Murphy delivered a breakout performance, pouring in a career-high 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting. His command of the offense and efficiency set the pace early.
Meanwhile, senior sharpshooter Fletcher Magee added 18 points, knocking down five three-pointers. During the game, Magee surpassed both Hall of Famer Jerry West (West Virginia) and Dom Flora (Washington & Lee) to move into eighth place on the Southern Conference’s all-time scoring list with 2,324 career points. It was another milestone in what would become one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Wofford history.
Forward Chevez Goodwin anchored the interior with 10 rebounds in just 15 minutes of action, adding six points and providing the physical presence that helped Wofford dominate the glass.
VMI’s Second-Half Surge
VMI refused to fade quietly. The Keydets erupted for a 16–0 run in the second half, trimming Wofford’s once-comfortable margin to just nine points with under 10 minutes remaining. Momentum had shifted.
Out of a timeout, Magee delivered the dagger the Terriers needed—his fourth three-pointer of the night—stretching the lead back to 76–64 and halting VMI’s surge.
Even as the clock wound down, the Keydets battled, narrowing the deficit again to nine with just 30 seconds left. But Murphy calmly sank two free throws to seal the 95–84 victory and preserve Wofford’s unbeaten conference record.
This ability to withstand adversity while maintaining composure would become a defining trait of Wofford’s undefeated SoCon championship season.
Fletcher Magee’s Magical Season
While February 14 stands as a key chapter, it was part of a broader masterpiece authored by Fletcher Magee.
During the 2018–19 campaign, Magee put together a remarkable season, averaging 20.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from beyond the arc. He was equally reliable at the free-throw line, converting 90.8 percent of his attempts, a level of efficiency that helped earn him Southern Conference Player of the Year honors.
Magee’s combination of volume scoring and efficiency fueled Wofford’s offensive firepower and made the Terriers one of the most dangerous mid-major teams in the nation.
Season Fallout
Wofford finished the regular season 30–5 overall and a perfect 18–0 in Southern Conference play, capturing the SoCon regular season championship. They then defeated UNC Greensboro in the SoCon Tournament championship game, securing the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
In March Madness, the Terriers validated their regular-season dominance and defeated Seton Hall in the first round advancing to the second round before falling to Kentucky.
The 2018–19 season stands as one of the most successful in program history and a gold standard for SoCon excellence.
For VMI, the 2018–19 campaign proved challenging but competitive. The Keydets finished 11–21 overall and 4–14 in conference play, ending in a three-way tie for eighth place in the Southern Conference.
As the No. 8 seed in the SoCon Tournament, VMI earned a first-round victory over Western Carolina before once again facing top-seeded Wofford. The Terriers prevailed 99–72, bringing the Keydets’ season to a close.
Why February 14, 2019 Still Matters in SoCon History
When examining SoCon championship season highlights, this game captures everything that made Wofford exceptional—elite perimeter shooting, balanced scoring and depth, composure under pressure, star power in pivotal moments, and sustained excellence throughout the season.
February 14 was more than just another conference win; it was proof that Wofford could weather adversity and still close games like champions.
The Point After
In the grand arc of Southern Conference history, some dates serve as mile markers on the road to greatness. February 14, 2019, stands among them. Wofford’s victory over VMI symbolized the precision, poise, and firepower that defined its undefeated conference season.
From Fletcher Magee’s historic scoring climb to Storm Murphy’s clutch free throws, the night reflected the ingredients of a championship formula.
