SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah State Lady Tigers battled to the end Monday night at Tiger Arena, but couldn't overcome the Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcat's lead, falling 47-43 in front of 1,025 fans.

The Lady Wildcat's led for most of the second half, but the Lady Tigers bounced back midway through cutting their 8-point lead to 1 as Jasmine Norman sank a good free-throw with 10:57 remaining to make it 32-33.

Norman tied the game a couple of minutes later sinking two free-throws to even up the score at 34. Cookman took back the momentum on a 6-0 run, led-off by a layup from Demetria Frank. With 3:04 remaining the visitors held a 44-38 lead over the Lady Tigers.

The margin remained within four points as they teams traded fouls in the last three minutes. Savannah State's Ezinne Kalu sank two free-throws with six seconds left to seal up the final score.

The Lady Tigers opened the game strong jumping out to a 5-0 lead behind a 3-pointer from Kalu and a jump shot from Jasmine Kirkland.  With 5:39 till the half, Kalu dropped a jump shot to give Savannah State their largest lead of the game at 15-9.

Ignited by a 3-pointer from Jasmine Elum that gave the Lady Wildcat's a 1-point lead, 17-16, the visitors began on an 8-1 run, heading into the locker room up 25-17.

Elum led Cookman with 14 points, followed by Amanda Hairston with 7 points and 11 rebounds. Kalu led the Lady Tigers with 20 points. Kirkland added 11. MEAC defensive player of the week (January 15) Alisha Nelson led in rebounds with 9. She leads the team overall, averaging 7.4 a game.

The Lady Tigers will host North Carolina Central, Saturday, February 25. Tip-off at Tiger Arena is set for 2 p.m.