MEMPHIS, TN | The Morehouse Maroon Tigers triumphed over the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians in an electrifying SIAC conference clash, securing a 91-86 victory in overtime at Bruce Hall/Johnson Gymnasium, Memphis, TN. This victory improved the Tigers' record to 4-6 overall and 2-1 in SIAC play.

FIRST HALF

The Maroon Tigers set the tone early, opening the game with aggressive play in the paint and quick ball movement to build a small lead. Matthew Coffey scored the game's first points with a layup, followed by another layup from Cedric Taylor III to put the Tigers up 6-0, forcing an early timeout from the Magicians.

LeMoyne-Owen responded with strong perimeter shooting to keep the game within reach. Despite these efforts, Morehouse dominated the interior, scoring 24 points in the paint during the first half compared to the Magicians' eight. Taylor III, Coffey, and JerMontae Hill attacked the basket with relentless energy, combining for multiple high-percentage shots and drawing fouls.

Defensively, Morehouse showcased their intensity by forcing turnovers and blocking three shots, which helped maintain their lead. Damion Mitchell and Jaden Gray contributed on both ends, with Mitchell tallying five assists and Gray hitting critical three-pointers to maintain momentum.

The Magicians leaned on their bench depth to stay competitive. Their defense improved midway through the half, forcing Morehouse into five turnovers and converting them into transition baskets.

The game featured multiple lead changes and two ties in the half as both teams adjusted their strategies. Morehouse's bench provided a spark with players like Omar Rowe and Amahn Decker stepping in to grab rebounds and add scoring.

As the half wound down, Morehouse capitalized on a few defensive stops and converted free throws to regain the lead. Cedric Taylor III's steady play at both ends of the floor and the Maroon Tigers' dominance in second-chance points helped them take a slim 34-32 advantage into the break.

SECOND HALF

The second half was a back-and-forth battle, filled with lead changes, high-intensity play, and clutch performances from both teams. Morehouse ultimately relied on balanced scoring and tough defense to force the game into overtime, ending regulation tied at 73-73.

LeMoyne-Owen started the half strong, outscoring Morehouse early to take the lead. LeMoyne-Owen's ball movement improved, resulting in open looks from both the perimeter and inside the paint.

The Maroon Tigers, however, responded with steady contributions from Cedric Taylor III, who opened the half with a three-pointer to reestablish Morehouse's offensive rhythm. Jaden Gray also stepped up, hitting a pair of crucial three-pointers to counter the Magicians' surge. Morehouse's defense tightened, forcing turnovers and limiting LeMoyne-Owen's fast-break opportunities.

Midway through the half, LeMoyne-Owen found success by exploiting Morehouse's defensive lapses. Despite these challenges, Morehouse leaned on their depth and physical play to stay in the game. Amahn Decker's rebounding and interior presence gave the Maroon Tigers critical second-chance opportunities. JerMontae Hill's ability to drive to the rim and draw fouls kept Morehouse in striking distance.

The final five minutes of regulation saw heightened intensity as both teams traded the lead. Morehouse's Matthew Coffey provided crucial buckets in the paint, while Taylor III's poise under pressure helped the Tigers maintain their composure. LeMoyne-Owen, however, refused to back down.

With less than a minute remaining and the game tied, Morehouse had a chance to win in regulation but missed a contested jumper. On the other end, the Maroon Tigers' defense held firm, forcing a miss from the Magicians on their final possession to send the game to overtime.

OVERTIME

The Maroon Tigers came out aggressive in overtime, leaning on their experience and discipline. Cedric Taylor III, who had been a standout throughout the game, opened the scoring with a crucial jump shot. The Maroon Tigers focused on maintaining control of the tempo, using deliberate ball movement to find high-percentage looks.

LeMoyne-Owen countered to keep the game close. However, Morehouse's defensive adjustments proved pivotal. The Maroon Tigers switched to a more aggressive perimeter defense, limiting opportunities and forcing the Magicians into contested shots. Chimezie Okeke contested on the perimeter and Coffey protected the rim, combining for a key block and defensive rebounds that shifted momentum in Morehouse's favor.

On the offensive end, JerMontae Hill stepped up during overtime. He hit two free throws after driving to the basket and drawing a foul, then followed it up with a strong rebound off a missed shot by LeMoyne-Owen.  Free throws played a significant role in overtime. The Maroon Tigers went 8-for-10 from the charity stripe in the extra period, with Taylor III and Hill converting critical attempts to maintain their advantage. LeMoyne-Owen struggled to match this efficiency, missing their only free throw attempt in overtime.

As the clock wound down, LeMoyne-Owen made a final push, attempting a deep three-pointer with under 30 seconds remaining but missing. Taylor III secured the defensive rebound and was fouled immediately, sealing the game by sinking both free throws.

By controlling the pace, limiting turnovers, and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities, in the tightly contested game, Morehouse earned a hard-fought victory.  Morehouse's poise and execution in critical moments ultimately secured their 91-86 victory.

Statistical Leaders

• Cedric Taylor III was the standout performer for Morehouse, leading the team with 23 points, including three three-pointers, and contributing four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
• JerMontae Hill added 16 points and led the rebounding effort with seven boards.
• Matthew Coffey had a perfect shooting night, scoring 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting, and chipped in four rebounds and a block.

Team Statistics Comparison

• Morehouse out-shot LeMoyne-Owen 49.2% to 45.3% from the field.
• The Maroon Tigers made nine three-pointers compared to the Magicians' seven.
• Morehouse was slightly out-rebounded by the Magicians on the boards, grabbing 33 rebounds to LeMoyne-Owen's 34, but were dominant in points in the paint (44-32).
• Turnovers were nearly even, with Morehouse committing 12 to LeMoyne-Owen's 11.

UP NEXT

The Maroon Tigers will look to build on this victory as they face the Lane Dragons on Saturday, December 21, in Jackson, TN, at 3 PM ET. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.