Maroon Tigers Complete Sweep; Win Fourth in Row

Box Score November 18, 2017 -- RALEIGH, N.C. -- Morehouse completed the sweep in the CIAA/SIAC Challenge, with an 80-77 win over the Shaw University Bears. 

After defeating the Winston-Salem State Rams, 87-72, yesterday, the Maroon Tigers faced a more challenging Bears team on their home court. 

On the strength of scoring by Omar Alston and Tyrius Walker, Morehouse built a 48-40 halftime lead. The Bears outscored the Maroon Tigers in the second half, but not enough to overcome the deficit. 

The game came down to the wire, with Morehouse holding a slim 78-77 lead. Tyrius Walker hit a falling, off-balance jumper with 9.8 seconds remaining, to extend the lead and lift Morehouse to a fourth straight win, to start the season.  

Alston led three Maroon Tigers, in double-figure scoring, with 21 points, to go with nine rebounds. Alston hit 9 of 13 shots from the field and three free throws and collected two assists and two blocked shots. 

Team scoring leader Tyrius Walker almost matched Alston's performance, putting up 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds. His five assists were a team high and he added two steals. 

Alston and Walker's 18 combined boards contributed to a 52-34 rebounding advantage by Morehouse.  The rebounding edge helped the Maroon Tigers overcome 19 turnovers and poor free-throw shooting (46 percent). 

Michael Olmert had a solid game, sinking 5 of 8 shots, for 10 points, and recording three rebounds and two assists. 

Newcomer James Walker also hauled in nine rebounds and scored seven points. 

DeAngelo Stephens-Bell and DaVaughn Kelsie each scored 23 points for Shaw, which fell to 2-3. Stephens-Bell posted a game-high nine assists. Khaliq Williams posted 16 points and matched a team-high seven rebounds with teammate Savon Goodman.  

The SIAC came out on top in all four games of the Challenge. Yesterday, Fort Valley State beat Shaw, 113-91, and, today,  defeated Winston-Salem State, 78-55. 

Morehouse will play the home opener, Tuesday, at 7 p.m., when the Maroon Tigers will host the University of West Georgia Wolves. 

A pre-game ceremony will include the dedication of the newly-resurfaced arena basketball floor, in honor of legendary Morehouse coach Arthur J. McAfeem. With more than 500 wins, McAfee is the winningest basketball coach in school history. 

All former Morehouse basketball players are invited to participate in the ceremony.   
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