ATLANTA, GA | The Morehouse Maroon Tigers (8-7, 6-2 SIAC) emerged victorious over the Benedict Tigers (3-11, 3-5 SIAC) with an 84-73 win in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play.  The game was moved to Sunday, due to the remnants of the winter weather that hit the Atlanta metro area on Friday.  The contest, rescheduled for 2 PM, began at 4:10 PM, due to transportation issues by Benedict.

FIRST HALF

The Maroon Tigers came out of the gates with intensity, applying stifling defensive pressure that forced Benedict into 13 first-half turnovers. These turnovers were crucial, as they translated into 15 points for Morehouse, allowing them to seize the momentum early.

Morehouse's offense was powered by a combination of efficiency and versatility. Amahn Decker led the charge with a flawless first half, scoring 17 points on 7-for-7 shooting, including two three-pointers and multiple strong finishes in the paint. Decker also showcased his rebounding skills, contributing six boards in the first half. Cedric Taylor III and JerMontae Hill complemented Decker's efforts, with Hill adding 8 points and Taylor providing critical ball movement with three first-half assists.

The Maroon Tigers' bench was also a key factor, contributing 19 points in the half compared to just three from Benedict's reserves. Sincere Key provided a spark, hitting two three-pointers in limited minutes, while Omar Rowe and Josiah Lawson combined for impactful scoring and hustle plays. This depth allowed Morehouse to maintain a high level of energy and execution throughout the period.

Defensively, Morehouse's aggressiveness disrupted Benedict's offensive rhythm. The Maroon Tigers recorded nine steals in the first half, including two each from Damion Mitchell and Cedric Taylor III. On the offensive end, Morehouse was lethal from beyond the arc, hitting seven three-pointers in the first half. Their ability to stretch the floor and score from multiple areas made them difficult to defend, as Benedict struggled to keep pace. Morehouse also showcased excellent ball movement, with 10 assists on 16 made field goals.

By halftime, Morehouse had built an 18-point lead, heading into the locker room with a commanding 43-25 advantage. 

SECOND HALF

Despite holding an 18-point halftime lead, the Maroon Tigers faced a rejuvenated Benedict squad that came out firing in the second half.

Benedict began to find their offensive rhythm.  Benedict scored 48 points in the half, a significant improvement from their 25-point first-half output. The Tigers also reduced their turnovers dramatically, committing just one in the second half compared to 13 in the first, allowing them to generate more consistent scoring opportunities.

Morehouse, however, never let Benedict get closer than single digits. Cedric Taylor III emerged as the playmaker of the half, contributing assists that led to open looks and converting a clutch three-pointer to halt a Benedict run.  JerMontae Hill was another steadying force, adding to his first-half contributions with tough baskets in the paint and hitting crucial free throws when fouled. The Maroon Tigers also benefited from Sincere Key's sharpshooting, as he sank another three-pointer off the bench to maintain Morehouse's momentum.

While Benedict's offensive surge cut into Morehouse's lead, the Maroon Tigers' defensive discipline ensured they remained in control. Statistically, Morehouse's offensive efficiency remained a strength in the second half. The team shot 61.5% from the field, including four made three-pointers on eight attempts. The Tigers struggled to keep pace with Morehouse's scoring versatility. Morehouse also made the most of their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting five of six attempts, while Benedict managed only four points on seven free throws.

While Benedict's offense found its stride late, Morehouse maintained their lead through balanced scoring, ball movement, and strategic defense. The Maroon Tigers closed out the game with an 84-73 victory.  The Morehouse Maroon Tigers recorded 19 assists on 32 made field goals.

KEY PERFORMERS

• Amahn Decker led the team with 17 points on perfect 7-for-7 shooting, including two three-pointers, and added six rebounds.
• Cedric Taylor III was the team's playmaker, scoring 16 points, dishing out seven assists, and recording two steals.
• JerMontae Hill contributed 15 points and six rebounds.
• Sincere Key provided a spark off the bench, scoring six points on perfect shooting from beyond the arc and adding three steals.
• Omar Rowe and Josiah Lawson added depth, combining for 15 points and eight rebounds, with timely scoring and hustle plays.

TEAM COMPARISON

• Field Goal Percentage: Morehouse shot 51.6% compared to Benedict's 50%.
• Three-Point Shooting: Morehouse's 47.8% accuracy (11-for-23) outpaced Benedict's 38.1% (8-for-21).
• Turnovers: Morehouse committed just 10 turnovers while forcing 14 from Benedict, leading to a 17-15 advantage in points off turnovers.
• Free Throw Percentage: Morehouse converted 75% of their free throws (9-for-12), edging Benedict's 68.8% (11-for-16).

With this win, Morehouse improved to 8-7 overall and 6-2 in conference play.  Morehouse is currently tied with Albany State for second place in the SIAC-East, just one-half game out of first place. The game against Allen, originally scheduled for Monday, January 13, has been postponed until Thursday, February 6 at 7PM.  The Maroon Tigers travel, on Saturday, to Jacksonville, FL to take on the Edward Waters Tigers at 3PM.  The Maroon Tigers will then fly to Washington, D.C. to face the Howard Bison, in the annual MLK Day Classic in the Nation's Capital.  Morehouse returns to Forbes Arena on Saturday, January 25, at 1PM against Fort Valley on Alumni Day.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.