ATLANTA, GA | On Saturday, November 23rd, the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers played against Clayton State University Lakers in hopes of winning this game following last game's upsetting loss. Morehouse began the first half of the game with a competitiveness that aided in them taking the lead in the first half. During the second half, the Tiger's offensive struggles began, allowing the Lakers to capitalize on those opportunities, resulting in Clayton State gaining control of the game, winning 79-76.
The Tigers played a competitive game against the Lakers, taking control of the game in the first half of play, ending that half in the lead by eight points, 43-35. The team collectively finished the first half with a field goal percentage of 64%, a three-point percentage of 50%, and 71.43% shooting at the free-throw line.
In the last half of the game, the Lakers got off to a good offensive start, quickly cutting Morehouse's eight-point lead and tying the game 43-43. Both teams began to trade buckets back and forth, adding to the intense atmosphere on the floor. With the game being so close, there was still a chance for the Tigers to regain the lead despite only being behind by five points, 56-51.
Towards the end of the half, Hill dunked to tie the game for the Tigers, 73-73. Cedric Taylor III's put-back in the paint would bring the Lakers lead down to two points, 77-75. The Maroon Tigers would, unfortunately, fall short of the win in the end after Taylor III's three-point shot attempt to go into overtime bounced off the left side of the rim. With Clayton State taking the win, 79-76.
Morehouse's main contributors were Josiah Lawson, who finished the game with 18 points, two rebounds, and one assist on 57.1% shooting. Omar Rowe contributed with 13 points, five rebounds, and one assist on 83.3% shooting, making 75% of his three-point shots. JerMontae Hill also had 10 points, four assists, and four steals, making 80% of his free throw shots. As a collective, the team offensively ended the game with a 53.3% field goal percentage, 42.1% three-point percentage, making 71.4% of their free throw percentage, and eight turnovers.
The Maroon Tigers will go on to compete in the MOCS Thanksgiving Classic against Saint Leo University next Friday in Lakeland, Florida, at George W. Jenkins Field House. Play begins at 5:00 PM. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.
