The No. 10-ranked Shelton State Buccaneers defeated Gadsden State, 90-84, in men’s junior college basketball action on Thursday night.

The two teams went back-and-fourth from the 3-point line as Shelton State improved to 18-2. Guards Joshua Knight and Tre Todd both hit four 3-pointers in the win. Knight finished with a team-high 16 points.

Even though his team played well offensively, coach Joe Eatmon was not impressed with the team’s defensive effort.

“I tell my guys all of the time, championships are won on the defensive end,” Eatmon said. “It was great that we were able to hit shots, but we have to play better on defense.”

Shelton State saw guards Tra’Quan Knight and Jamani Glover return to the starting lineup after being out with the flu. With forward Noah Brown being out with an ankle injury, the team needed those two players to come back strong.

Glover scored seven points in the win. Tra’Quan Knight energized his team, totaling 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists in his return.

“He’s one of the few two-year guys we have on the team,” Eatmon said. “His leadership alone brings a lot to the table.”

Shelton State was also able to use size to its advantage. Gadsden State did not have a player over 6-foot-7 on their team.

Shelton State forward Matthew Horton, who finished with 13 points and seven rebounds, checks in at 6-foot-11. Even when he wasn’t scoring, he was able to grab tough rebounds and affect each shot that he defended against. That was a matchup that Eatmon wanted to exploit.

“He needs to bring that every night,” Eatmon said. “When he’s playing well and our guards are hitting shots, we’re pretty tough to beat.

Next, Shelton State will face Chattahoochee Valley at 4 p.m. in the Umphrey Center.