ATLANTA, GA | The Morehouse Maroon Tigers edged out the Spring Hill Badgers in a highly competitive SIAC cross-divisional basketball game at Frank L. Forbes Arena in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday afternoon. Morehouse secured a 79-75 victory, showcasing clutch performances and solid teamwork in the second half to pull away from the visitors.

First Half 

The game started with both teams trading early baskets. Spring Hill guard Steven Lyles opened the scoring with a three-pointer, while Morehouse's Quinton Steele II responded with a jumper assisted by Jaden Gray. Spring Hill capitalized on its three-point shooting in the first half, going 9-of-18 from beyond the arc. 

Morehouse's offensive attack was more balanced, as guard Cedric Taylor III and forward Amahn Decker contributed crucial baskets. Decker's inside presence led to two fast-break layups that kept the Maroon Tigers within striking distance. Cedric Taylor III added a pair of free throws to close the gap to 41-36 by halftime.

Despite trailing, Morehouse's bench made a significant impact, scoring 21 points in the first half and maintaining the game's intensity.

Second Half 

Morehouse emerged from the locker room with renewed energy. Damion Mitchell quickly scored a layup to set the tone, cutting Spring Hill's lead to three points. Over the next few minutes, Amahn Decker's scoring efficiency in the paint helped Morehouse grab a narrow lead at 45-44.

The second half saw Morehouse's defense shine, forcing turnovers and limiting Spring Hill to just two points off turnovers. Jermontae Hill's aggressive drives added critical points, while Cedric Taylor III drained a key three-pointer to extend Morehouse's lead midway through the half.

Spring Hill stayed competitive behind Lyles and Peggs Jr., who combined for 45 points. However, Morehouse's ability to convert free throws in the closing moments proved decisive. Damion Mitchell was flawless from the charity stripe, going 10-for-10, including six free throws in the final two minutes. Taylor III's two clutch free throws with 15 seconds left sealed the victory for the Maroon Tigers.

Statistical Leaders for Morehouse

• Damion Mitchell: 16 points, 10-for-10 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 steals

• Cedric Taylor III: 14 points, 2-of-5 3PT, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

• Amahn Decker: 17 points, 7-of-11 FG, 5 rebounds

• JerMontae Hill: 8 points, 2 blocks, 2 rebounds

Highlights

• Morehouse's bench contributed 40 points, compared to Spring Hill's 16, underscoring the depth of the Maroon Tigers' roster. Despite being out-rebounded 39-28, Morehouse's defensive effort and second-chance opportunities in the second half turned the tide in their favor.

• Jermontae Hill's fast-break layup at 17:52 in the second half to tie the game.

• Damion Mitchell's six consecutive free throws in the final two minutes to clinch the win for Morehouse.

The win improved Morehouse's SIAC record to 4-1, while Spring Hill fell to 3-4 in conference play. The Maroon Tigers will look to build on this momentum as they take on Miles College on Saturday, January 4, at 1PM.  The Golden Bears enter the contest with a 6-0 record in conference (9-2 overall) and sit in first place in the SIAC West.  The Maroon Tigers are in second place in the SIAC East.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.