March 1, 2016 – BIRMINGHAM, AL – Michael Scott hit three free throws with 9.5 seconds remaining and set up a 52-49 Morehouse win over the Central State University Marauders, in the first round of the SIAC Basketball Tournament.

Trailing 49-47 with 10 seconds remaining, Scott took a pass near the left baseline and attempted a go-ahead three-pointer. His shot was long but he was fouled in the act by CSU's Tre' Edwards.

Scott, a senior guard and proven leader, walked calmly to the line and hit nothing but net on three straight shots, to give Morehouse a 50-49 lead. He finished with 12 points. 

On the ensuing possession, CSU guard Tom Johnson drove the ball down the lane, trying to put up the game-winning layup, but his path to the basket was blocked by center Robert Askew and Johnson was called for an offensive foul.

Morehouse inbounded the ball to Javarius Gay who was fouled on the play. Like Scott had done seconds earlier, Gay also walked to the free-throw line and hit nothing but net on both shots. Suddenly, free throws that had betrayed the Tigers early in the game became their key to victory.

In the second half, Morehouse missed the front end of three "one-and-ones." The missed opportunities had a huge impact in the close game. The Tigers hit 13 of 24 shots from the charity stripe, for a nearly season low 54 percent from the line. 

The win avenges an 88-80 overtime loss to the Marauders, in January, and advances Morehouse to the quarterfinals and a Thursday showdown with the #3W Lane Dragons, who beat the #6E Albany State Golden Rams. On January 4, Morehouse beat Lane 83-70, at Forbes Arena.

Playing in the tenth and last game of a long day of basketball, the Maroon Tigers jumped out to a 25-19 first half lead. Ayinde Russell and Michael Scott put up six points apiece to lead the Tigers. Led by six rebounds by Michael Hall, Morehouse out-rebounded the Marauders 23-16. 

The Marauders sprinted out of the locker room to an 8-0 run, to take a 27-25 lead. A three-pointer by Russell broke the Morehouse drought and the teams traded the lead for the next 10 minutes.

Another CSU rally gave the Marauders a seemingly insurmountable 11- point lead with 2:50 remaining. Again Morehouse fought back. Six free throws by Russell and a Scott three-pointer drew the Maroon Tigers to within two points. After a CSU turnover, Scott was fouled shooting the three that turned the tide.    

Russell's 19 points topped all scorers, and together with four rebounds, two assists and two steals, gave the freshman guard a solid performance in his first college tournament game.

Michael Hall scored four points and hauled in a game-high 14 rebounds, helping Morehouse to a 51-39 rebounding advantage.

Robert Askew pulled down six rebounds, to go with two points. The senior center was hampered by early foul trouble that limited him to 23 minutes. 

Martravious Little played big on both ends of the court, scoring six points, grabbing five rebounds and adding two assists. His put-back rebound and dunk over a much taller defender fired up the Tigers and the few fans who hung around for late-ending game.   

Rasheed Shofidiya chipped in five rebounds and two points.

Thursday's game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. (CST), at the Bill Evans Arena, in Birmingham.