Savannah, Ga. – The Savannah State University Lady Tigers struggled to gain ground in the first half of a non-conference matchup with Longwood University, Monday, at Tiger Arena, but took control late in the second half to seal up a 53-41 win in front of 655 fans.

In the first half, Jasmin Thomas put the Lady Tigers up 8-4 with a layup at the 13:31 mark.  But, the Lancers quickly took the lead back on a jumper from Erin Neal two minutes later. Longwood shifted the momentum in the closing 7 minutes of the first half, taking a commanding 24-15 lead at the half behind a 9-1 run.

The Lady Tigers shot 17.3 percent from the floor in the first half, while the Lancers shot at a 50 percent clip.  Savannah State fared better in the second half increasing their shooting percentage to 43.8 percent.

Longwood opened the second half still in control of the lead. Crystal Smith sank a jumper at the 15:18 mark to give the visitors an 11-point lead, 33-22, their largest of the game.
The Lady Tigers quickly answered as Shawanda Hanton sank a layup to start a 10-0 run that cut Longwood's lead down to one point with 12:50 on the clock.

Savannah State held the momentum shift and never relinquished the lead again. Jasmine Norman nailed a jump shot with 49 seconds remaining to set the final score.

Ezinne Kalu led the Lady Tigers with 19 points, while Norman added 11, and Zadous Pollard sank 10. Rikiah Gatlin led in rebounds with 8.  Chelsea Coward led Longwood with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Mieke Elkington and Smith followed with 8 points each.