SAVANNAH, Ga.- Savannah State shot 92.9 percent from the free throw line but it would not be enough as the Lady Tigers dropped a 54-43 decision to North Carolina Central in Tiger Arena.

SSU made 2-of-3 attempts in the first half and connected on all 11 attempts in the second period. The Eagles went 12-of-18 (66.7%) from the charity stripe.

Savannah State trailed 26-18 at the half but sliced their deficit to two points as they started the second half with a 8-2 run.

The Eagles answered SSU's spurt with a 14-4 run to go ahead 42-30 with 7:05 remaining.

Savannah State would get within nine on three occassions with the last time being at the 2:03 mark as Courtney Long made two free throws to make the score 52-43.

Long and Crissa Jackson each scored 11 points for Savannah State (8-17) while Alisha Nelson grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked four shots.

In the first half, SSU jumped out to a 13-8 lead but Central out-scored Savannah State 18-5 the final eight minutes to go into intermission with a eight point cushion.

Joanna Miller scored 19 points for the Eagles (7-13).

SSU edged Central on the boards 38-37 but only shot 28.9 percent from the floor and made 26 turnovers. Central shot 31.6 percent from the field.