ATLANTA, GA – In their first home game after two years, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers came up just short against West Alabama in a 24-16 lost at B.T. Harvey Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Maroon Tigers got off to a strong start during Saturday's game. Senior Darien Pittman intercepted West Alabama quarterback Tucker Melton on the fourth play of the game; Morehouse capitalized by scoring a field goal and taking a 3-0 lead.

West Alabama immediately struck back, scoring 21 unanswered points in the first half. Melton threw two touchdowns (2 yards and 23 yards) before UWA closed out the half on a 2-yard touchdown run by Demetrius Battle.

The Maroon Tigers turned up their defensive intensity in the second half. Morehouse forced two punts and recovered a fumble in the third quarter, shutting West Alabama's offense down in the third quarter.

The Maroon Tigers Derrach West threw the first of his two touchdowns midway through the third quarter, connecting with junior Keenan Anunay for a 30-yard score.
West's next touchdown came by way of a 28-yard strike to Alabama State transfer Delancey Tolliver late in the fourth quarter. This score cut West Alabama's lead to eight, 16-24.

Morehouse threatened to tie the score late in the fourth. After a 19-yard run by West advanced the ball to the UWA 13, West again rushed with four seconds remaining in the game. However, he was tackled at the West Alabama 5-yard line as time expired.

West completed 17 of 19 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. West also led all rushers with 72 yards on 14 carries. Sophomore Daylon Land would lead the Maroon Tigers defense with 13 tackles (11 solo), along with three tackles for loss and a sack.

The Maroon Tigers will look to rebound when they host the University of West Georgia on Saturday, Sep. 10 at B.T. Harvey Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.