ATLANTA, GA | As the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Basketball Tournament tips off, the opening round features a compelling matchup between the Morehouse Maroon Tigers and the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians. These two teams previously clashed on December 19, 2024, in a thrilling overtime contest where Morehouse emerged victorious with a 91-86 win.
PREVIOUS MATCH-UP
In their December showdown at Bruce Hall/Johnson Gymnasium in Memphis, TN, both teams exhibited exceptional skill and determination. The game featured 20 lead changes and was tied nine times, underscoring the evenly matched nature of the contest. Morehouse's ability to capitalize on turnovers, converting them into 15 points, and their 12 fast-break points were pivotal in gaining the upper hand.
Key Performers
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Morehouse Maroon Tigers:
- Cedric Taylor III: Delivered a standout performance with 23 points, shooting 10-of-19 from the field, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc.
- JerMontae Hill: Contributed 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing his two-way play.
- Jaden Gray: Added 10 points, hitting 2-of-4 from three-point range, and provided two assists.
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LeMoyne-Owen Magicians:
- Kyle Houston: Led all scorers with 22 points, connecting on 3-of-9 three-point attempts, and recorded three steals.
- Khalil Genwright: Tallied 17 points, six assists, and six rebounds, demonstrating versatility.
- Richard Lowe: Contributed 11 points and five rebounds, efficiently shooting 3-of-4 from the field.
Statistical Comparison
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Field Goal Percentage:
- Morehouse: 49.2% (32-of-65)
- LeMoyne-Owen: 45.3% (29-of-64)
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Three-Point Shooting:
- Morehouse: 33.3% (9-of-27)
- LeMoyne-Owen: 30.4% (7-of-23)
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Free Throw Percentage:
- Morehouse: 69.2% (18-of-26)
- LeMoyne-Owen: 84.6% (22-of-26)
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Rebounds:
- Morehouse: 33 total (11 offensive, 22 defensive)
- LeMoyne-Owen: 34 total (11 offensive, 23 defensive)
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Turnovers:
- Morehouse: 12
- LeMoyne-Owen: 14
The statistical breakdown reveals a closely contested game, with Morehouse holding a slight edge in field goal and three-point shooting percentages, while LeMoyne-Owen excelled in free-throw accuracy and rebounding. Both teams demonstrated depth, with bench points contributing significantly—22 for Morehouse and 26 for LeMoyne-Owen.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS - CONFERENCE ONLY
Morehouse Maroon Tigers:
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Cedric Taylor III (Guard)
- Points Per Game (PPG): 15.5
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 6.5
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 44.8%
- Three-Point Percentage (3PT%): 28.3%
- Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 65.9%
As the team's leading scorer, Taylor III has been instrumental in driving the Maroon Tigers' offense, consistently contributing both points and rebounds.
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JerMontae Hill (Guard/Forward)
- PPG: 11.0
- RPG: 5.3
- FG%: 40.9%
- 3PT%: 18.3%
- FT%: 76.6%
Hill's versatility allows him to impact the game in multiple facets, including scoring, playmaking, and defense.
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Amahn Decker (Forward)
- PPG: 8.9
- RPG: 5.7
- FG%: 52.0%
- 3PT%: 23.1%
- FT%: 67.1%
Decker provides a strong inside presence, contributing efficiently in the paint and on the boards.
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Omar Rowe (Guard)
- PPG: 8.9
- RPG: 2.5
- FG%: 52.0%
- 3PT%: 48.0%
- FT%: 64.3%
Rowe's sharpshooting from beyond the arc makes him a valuable asset in stretching defenses and providing perimeter scoring.
LeMoyne-Owen Magicians:
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Khalil Genwright (Guard)
- PPG: 16.6
- RPG: 3.8
- FG%: 52.2%
- 3PT%: 30.4%
- FT%: 76.4%
Genwright stands out as the Magicians' leading scorer, showcasing efficiency and consistency in his offensive play.
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Richard Lowe (Forward)
- PPG: 10.9
- RPG: 7.8
- FG%: 54.4%
- FT%: 60.4%
Lowe provides a solid interior presence, contributing significantly to the team's rebounding efforts and scoring in the paint.
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Kyle Houston (Guard)
- PPG: 9.8
- RPG: 2.5
- FG%: 41.2%
- 3PT%: 33.3%
- FT%: 70.0%
Houston adds depth to the backcourt, offering reliable perimeter shooting and defensive capabilities.
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Micah Evans (Forward)
- PPG: 8.5
- RPG: 4.2
- FG%: 45.0%
- 3PT%: 31.0%
- FT%: 67.1%
Evans contributes as a versatile forward, capable of scoring both inside and from mid-range, while also aiding in rebounding efforts.
TEAM COMPARISON - CONFERENCE ONLY
Morehouse has been one of the more well-balanced teams in conference play, excelling in both scoring and defense, while LeMoyne-Owen has struggled in rebounding and defensive efficiency.
Overall Records:
- Morehouse Maroon Tigers: 16-12 overall; 14-7 in SIAC play.
- LeMoyne-Owen Magicians: 4-23 overall; 4-16 in SIAC play.
Scoring and Shooting:
- Morehouse:
- Points Per Game (PPG): 73.4
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 43.6%
- Three-Point Percentage (3PT%): 31.9%
- Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 66.7%
- LeMoyne-Owen:
- PPG: 68.5
- FG%: 44.3%
- 3PT%: 31.0%
- FT%: 67.1%
Rebounding:
- Morehouse:
- Total Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 36.1
- Rebound Margin: +1.6
- LeMoyne-Owen:
- RPG: 33.9
- Rebound Margin: -2.8
Turnovers and Defense:
- Morehouse:
- Turnovers Per Game (TO/G): 13.7
- Steals Per Game (SPG): 7.7
- Blocks Per Game (BPG): 2.9
- LeMoyne-Owen:
- TO/G: 14.8
- SPG: 6.0
- BPG: 2.0
In summary, Morehouse has exhibited a stronger overall performance, particularly in scoring and defensive metrics, while LeMoyne-Owen has faced challenges throughout the season. Morehouse has been one of the more well-balanced teams in conference play, excelling in both scoring and defense, while LeMoyne-Owen has struggled in rebounding and defensive efficiency.
LAST 10 GAMES
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Morehouse Maroon Tigers:
- Over their last 10 games, the Maroon Tigers have demonstrated strong form, achieving an 8-2 record. The Maroon Tigers have demonstrated resilience, securing key victories against conference opponents and showcasing a balanced offensive strategy. Their defense has been particularly effective in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities.
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LeMoyne-Owen Magicians:
- In contrast, the Magicians have faced challenges, recording a 2-8 record in their last 10 outings. The Magicians have faced challenges, with several close losses indicating competitive play but difficulties in closing out games. Their offense has been productive, but defensive lapses have occasionally undermined their efforts.
OUTLOOK
This opening-round matchup promises to be intensely competitive. For Morehouse, maintaining their shooting efficiency and defensive pressure will be crucial to replicate their previous success. Morehouse will aim to leverage their recent momentum and balanced gameplay to secure a win. Morehouse enters this matchup as the favorite, riding strong momentum and boasting superior offensive efficiency and defensive metrics. If they can continue their balanced attack and limit turnovers, they will have a strong chance to move on in the SIAC Tournament.
Conversely, LeMoyne-Owen will aim to capitalize on their rebounding strength and address defensive vulnerabilities to turn the tide in their favor while looking to capitalize on their offensive talents and address defensive gaps to upset the Maroon Tigers.Given the stakes of tournament play, both teams are expected to elevate their performance, making this a must-watch contest in the SIAC Basketball Tournament. LeMoyne-Owen must control the boards and improve their defensive execution to keep pace with the Maroon Tigers. If Christian Wells and Micah Evans can put together big performances, the Magicians have the potential to pull off the upset.
Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest that showcases the talents and resilience of both squads, with the outcome likely hinging on execution in critical moments. With tournament intensity at its peak, bench depth and defensive effort will likely play a huge role in deciding which team advances. With the game tipping off at 10AM, one team will continue to dance, while the other team prepares for spring break by the time most people sit down for lunch. Tickets for tomorrow morning's contest are available
here. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at
www.morehouseathletics.com.
