ATLANTA, GA | In a thrilling Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) East Division matchup, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers edged out the Edward Waters Tigers with a final score of 88-82

FIRST HALF

The game started with Edward Waters striking first, converting a quick layup off a steal to take an early 2-0 lead. However, Morehouse responded immediately, as Jaden Gray knocked down a three-pointer off an assist from JerMontae Hill, giving the Maroon Tigers their first lead of the game at 3-2.

The first few minutes saw both teams trading baskets, but Edward Waters found a rhythm around the 16-minute mark with a 6-0 run for the visiting Tigers, fueled by a series of turnovers from Morehouse. This stretch saw Morehouse struggle with ball security, committing back-to-back turnovers that allowed Edward Waters to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. With the run, Edward Waters took a 9-4 lead, forcing Morehouse head coach Douglas Whittler to call a timeout to regroup his squad.

Coming out of the timeout, Morehouse adjusted their defensive approach, switching to a tighter perimeter defense that limited Edward Waters' open looks from beyond the arc. This shift in strategy paid off immediately, as Cedric Taylor III came up with a steal that led to a Dondre Watson dunk, cutting the lead to 9-6.

Over the next three minutes, Morehouse controlled the pace, holding Edward Waters scoreless while going on an 8-0 run. This stretch was highlighted by Omar Rowe, who contributed five points, including a well-executed three-pointer off a broken play. With 12:11 remaining in the half, Morehouse found itself ahead 12-9, having completely flipped the momentum.

Just as Morehouse seemed to gain control, Edward Waters found its footing again. Morehouse's offense momentarily stalled, missing three consecutive shots and committing two turnovers. However, their defensive effort kept them in the game. A crucial block by Dondre Watson on an Edward Waters layup attempt prevented the visitors from extending their lead further.

As the clock approached the 6-minute mark, Morehouse made a strong push behind its three-point shooting. JerMontae Hill ignited the crowd with back-to-back three-pointers, and Sincere Key added another deep shot on the next possession. This 9-3 Morehouse run flipped the scoreboard in their favor, giving them a 26-22 lead with 4:50 remaining in the half.

Edward Waters refused to back down and quickly answered with a surge of their own. The closing moments of the first half saw Morehouse regain control by dominating the offensive boards. Cedric Taylor III was instrumental in securing second-chance points, grabbing two offensive rebounds and converting one into a layup while drawing a foul. His free throw completed a three-point play, giving Morehouse a 29-26 lead.

Edward Waters managed to momentarily tie the game at 29-29, but Morehouse ended the half strong. Logan McCormick and Jaden Gray hit back-to-back baskets, while Taylor III sank a pair of free throws in the final seconds to give Morehouse a 33-29 advantage heading into halftime.

SECOND HALF

The Maroon Tigers wasted no time asserting themselves after halftime. Cedric Taylor III opened the second half by knocking down a three-pointer off an assist from Jaden Gray, extending Morehouse's lead to 36-29. On the ensuing possession, Taylor came up with a big defensive play, blocking an Edward Waters layup attempt, and Morehouse capitalized in transition. Dondre Watson finished an emphatic dunk, pushing the lead to 38-29—the largest margin of the game at that point.

Edward Waters quickly responded.  A defensive lapse by Morehouse allowed Edward Waters to score on a fast break, cutting the lead to 38-36 with 17:45 remaining.

After a timeout, Morehouse regained control momentarily as Omar Rowe drained a three-pointer to push the lead back to 41-36. But Edward Waters continued their aggressive play, forcing three consecutive Morehouse turnovers and capitalizing with an 8-2 scoring burst. Edward Waters had their first lead since the early minutes of the game, going up 44-43 at the 14:55 mark.

Morehouse answered back with a strong inside attack. Taylor III and Watson dominated in the paint, combining for three consecutive buckets inside. This 6-0 run put Morehouse back on top 49-44, but Edward Waters quickly countered once again, this time with a 9-2 scoring stretch, reclaiming the lead at 53-51 with 12 minutes remaining.

Just as Edward Waters threatened to take control, Morehouse found their rhythm from beyond the arc. Sincere Key and JerMontae Hill took over from deep, hitting back-to-back three-pointers that swung the momentum back to the Maroon Tigers. Morehouse's 8-2 run gave them a 59-55 lead with 10:45 to go.

Edward Waters attempted to counter, tying the game at 61-61 with 9:30 remaining. From this point, Morehouse turned up the defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and pushing the tempo. Taylor III was instrumental in this stretch, coming up with a crucial steal and fast-break layup, followed by another three-pointer from Key. This 10-3 run extended Morehouse's lead to 71-64 with 6:45 to play.

With the game approaching crunch time, Edward Waters made one final push, cutting Morehouse's lead to 75-71 at the 4:30 mark.  However, Morehouse responded with clutch free-throw shooting. Chimezie Okeke sank four consecutive free throws, and Taylor III added two more from the line, pushing the lead back to 81-73 with 2:30 to go.

Edward Waters desperately tried to mount a comeback, scoring on two quick possessions to close the gap to 81-77, but Morehouse remained poised. Dondre Watson came up with a huge defensive block, leading to a fast-break layup from Omar Rowe, essentially sealing the game.  Morehouse iced the victory from the free-throw line, with Key, Taylor III, and Okeke converting their chances, securing the 88-82 triumph in front of their home crowd at Frank L. Forbes Arena.

TEAM COMPARISON

Morehouse recordied a field goal percentage of 45% compared to Edward Waters' 42%. The Maroon Tigers also showcased their prowess from beyond the arc, hitting 38% of their three-point attempts, while Edward Waters managed 33%. On the boards, Morehouse out-rebounding Edward Waters 46-38, including a notable 12 offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points. Turnovers were a concern for both teams; Morehouse committed 16 turnovers, but their defense compensated by forcing 18 turnovers from Edward Waters.

MOREHOUSE LEADERS

• Points: Amahn Decker led the team with 22 points, showcasing his offensive versatility.

• Rebounds: JerMontae Hill dominated the glass with 12 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive end.

• Assists: Sincere Key facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out 7 assists.

• Blocks: Cedric Taylor III was a defensive anchor, recording 3 blocks.

BIG CAT HARDWOOD CLASSIC

Looking ahead, the Maroon Tigers are set to face their archrival, the Clark Atlanta Panthers, in the highly anticipated Big Cat Hardwood Classic on February 22, 2025. Clark Atlanta currently leads the East Division, making this matchup crucial for Morehouse's aspirations to climb the standings. Historically, games between these two teams have been fiercely competitive, often coming down to the final possessions. Morehouse will need to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on offensive opportunities to secure a victory. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as these storied programs clash on the hardwood. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.