COLUMBIA, S.C. – Savannah State men's basketball escaped Columbia on Monday (Feb. 17) with a narrow, two-point victory over Benedict College, sealing up their ninth Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) win of the season.
 
With 1:00 minute on the clock, Benedict's Nyquan McCombs hit a 3-pointer to put the home team within a single point of the Tigers' lead at 59-60. Thirty seconds later, Trey DeLoach answered with his own trey.
 
Then with eight seconds quickly ticking away, Marcus Scott hit two good free-throws for a four-point SSU lead. Tajh Green drained a layup for Benedict on the buzzer for the final 64-62 score.   
 
The Tigers shots 40% from the floor over the night, but only managed a 36% clip from beyond the arc. They out-rebounded Benedict 41-35 but committed 19 costly turnovers to the home team's nine.
 
Savannah State improved to 9-11 overall and 9-8 in SIAC action. Nearing the end of the regular season, the Tigers are in fourth place in the SIAC East Division.
 
The Tigers have two remaining games in the regular season. They face SIAC East No. 2 ranked Clark Atlanta—who they beat earlier this season—in Tiger Arena on Feb. 20. On Feb. 22, they close the regular season against the 4-12 Fort Valley State, also in Tiger Arena. Tip-off for both games is set for 25 minutes after the women finish.