ATLANTA, GA | The Kentucky State Thorobreds narrowly defeated the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in an exciting conference opener, for Morehouse, on December 14, 2024, at Frank L. Forbes Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The game, which ended 86-83 in favor of the Thorobreds, dropped the Maroon Tigers to 0-1 in SIAC play and 2-6, overall.

The Maroon Tigers leaned heavily on bench contributions and second-chance opportunities to remain competitive. The Maroon Tigers out-rebounded Kentucky State 46-37, including an impressive 18 offensive rebounds that led to 29 second-chance points. Despite these efforts, a few key defensive lapses and turnovers proved costly in the final minutes.

First Half Recap:

The Maroon Tigers showed great energy in the opening half but faced challenges containing Kentucky State's perimeter shooters, allowing them to sink four three-pointers. Cedric Taylor III's versatile scoring and Morehouse's rebounding efforts helped keep the game close. By halftime, the Tigers trailed 35-32, buoyed by strong second-chance opportunities created by their offensive rebounding prowess.

Second Half Recap:

The Maroon Tigers came out strong in the second half, with JerMontae Hill stepping up defensively and offensively. Morehouse's bench helped along the way, contributing a remarkable 42 points. However, the Thorobreds' Ogien Ayo proved a consistent threat, scoring a game-high 26 points and hitting clutch shots late in the game.

Turnovers plagued Morehouse throughout the contest. The Maroon Tigers committed 14 turnovers, leading to 21 points for Kentucky State. Despite these miscues, the Tigers had several opportunities to take control late in the game but fell short due to missed three-pointers and critical defensive breakdowns.

Game Highlights:

• Bench Dominance: Morehouse's depth was a key strength, as reserves outscored Kentucky State's bench 42-20.
• Rebounding Edge: The Maroon Tigers' aggressive play on the boards created 18 offensive rebounds and a 29-8 advantage in second-chance points.
• Shooting Woes: The Tigers shot 27-for-71 (38%) from the field, including 10-for-37 (27%) from three-point range, limiting their ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Category Leaders for Morehouse:

• Points: Cedric Taylor III led the Maroon Tigers with 18 points, including 6-of-7 shooting from the free-throw line and two three-pointers.
• Rebounds: Jaden Gray dominated the glass, pulling down a team-high 9 rebounds (2 offensive, 7 defensive), narrowly missing a double-double with 10 points.
• Assists: Cedric Taylor III also led in playmaking with 4 assists.
• Bench Points: Omar Rowe contributed 13 points off the bench, hitting four three-pointers to provide a crucial spark during key stretches.
• Free Throws: JerMontae Hill was automatic at the line, hitting 11-of-12 free throws on his way to 13 points.

Looking Ahead:

The loss drops Morehouse to 2-6 overall and 0-1 in SIAC play. Despite the defeat, the Tigers showed promise, particularly in their bench production and rebounding dominance. With better shooting efficiency and reduced turnovers, the Maroon Tigers have the tools to turn close losses into victories as the season progresses.  The Maroon Tigers return to action on Monday morning, as the host Atlanta Public Schools Day as well as a business person's special.  Tip is set for 11AM inside of Forbes Arena.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.