Courtesy of the SIAC
Game 18 (Women)
Savannah State, 73 vs. Albany State, 59
Box Score | Savannah State Post Game Interview | Albany State Post Game Interview
To kickoff the Semifinals for the 2022 SIAC Basketball Tournament, presented by TIAA, the fans of Rock Hill, South Carolina were treated to a battle between a hot, underdog team and the heavily favored powerhouse team. From the outset, the Tigers of Savannah State took control and did not look back, the pace and aggressive defense by the Tigers proved to be too much as the Tigers of Savannah State moved on with the 73-59 victory. With the win, the Savannah State Tigers will advance to play the Benedict Tigers in the championship game on Saturday at 5:00 pm.
Game 19 (Women)
Tuskegee, 74 vs. Benedict, 81
Box Score | Benedict Post Game Interview | Tuskegee Post Game Interview
With Savannah State stamping their ticket into the championship game, the time came to figure out who their opponent would be. Throughout the game, both teams were evenly matched and traded leads throughout the contest. However, with six seconds left, Benedict was down two and at the free-throw line shooting two. After draining the two free throws, Benedict tied the game sending both teams into overtime. Tuskegee had one shot to win the game. Tuskegee’s guard, JuToreyia Willis, drove hard to her right hand, pulled up, got a nice look at the basket, but unfortunately, the ball rattled out. Unfortunately for Tuskegee that miss was fatal as Benedict dominated the overtime period to gain the win and book their ticket to championship Saturday. Benedict will play Savannah State for the championship title on Saturday at 5pm at Rock Hill Sport & Event Center.
Game 20 (Men)
Miles 49 vs. Benedict, 66
Box Score | Miles Post Game Interview | Benedict Post Game Interview
Miles and Benedict were the first two teams to have a chance to secure a spot in the championship game in the men’s bracket. Miles’ chance at a third straight league title was disrupted by a staunch defensive effort from Benedict. Benedict’s fans and marching band populated the arena. The players fed off of that energy throughout the game. Miles started the game flat. They didn’t match Benedict’s energy and it hurt them, especially in the second half. Benedict kept the pressure on Miles defensively. They made it extremely tough for Miles to find any open looks, forcing them to shoot 25 percent from the field. Benedict’s guard, Timothy Bing, had another impressive game, scoring 23 points and adding five assists. Bing’s efforts helped the Tigers upset the West Divisions’ No. 1 seed. Now, Benedict will move on to the championship game where they’ll take on the winner of Morehouse and Savannah State.
Game 21 (Men)
Morehouse, 59 vs. Savannah State, 60
Box Score | Morehouse Post Game Interview | Savannah State Post Game Interview
To wrap up today’s semifinal round, Morehouse and Savannah State competed for the final spot in the championship game. In the first few minutes of the game, Morehouse went on a 15-to-3 run. Savannah State’s guard, Marcus Scott, hit some big perimeter shots to spark a run of their own. Morehouse no longer was in control. Savannah State was able to make a comeback and shift the momentum in their favor. They went into the half up by three points. Despite Morehouse having a height advantage in the interior, they were not able to dominate the paint. Savannah State did a great job at defending inside, as well guarding on the perimeter. Missed three throws were an issue for both teams. Morehouse had a chance to tie the game late in the second half, but could not connect from the free throw line. Down by one point with 2.7 seconds left, Morehouse had one opportunity left to win the game. The ball was inbounded to Morehouse’s guard, Noah Morgan, for the last shot. Morgan pulled up for three off the catch, but could not get the shot to fall. Savannah State was able to hang on to upset the Maroon Tigers. They now have their sights set on an SIAC Championship, which they will play for Saturday night at 8:00 pm, against Benedict.
