FRANKFURT, Ky.- A late surge by Savannah State helped the Tigers survive a scare from Kentucky State in a 59-56 win over the Thorobreds on Saturday afternoon at the William Exum HPER Center.

It was the Tigers third win in a row as they improved to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the SIAC.

With the score tied at 52 with 3:43 remaining, SSU scored the next seven points get some breathing room.

A free throw by Ayjay Plain jump started the run. Following Plain's free throw, Javonte Landy made a layup and Qua King hit a jumper and a pair of free throws to open up a 59-52 cushion with 17 seconds left.

Kentucky State scored the final four points of the game but SSU had already sealed their win.

The Tigers opened the game by scoring the first five points with Plain hitting a jumper and King added a 3-pointer.

KSU rallied to take a 13-8 lead but a 13-2 rally gave Savannah State a 21-15 edge at the 5:41 mark.

The Thorobreds outscored SSU 11-7 the remainder of the period but Savannah State took a slim 28-26 lead into halftime.

The game remained close early in the second half.

Ahead 41-39 with 11:24 left, back-to-back layups by Jaydon Cousin along with a layup and a free throw by King gave Savannah State a nine point lead with 9:35 showing on the clock.

Kentucky State chipped away at SSU's lead until they tied it at 52 with under four minutes remaining.

King led the Tigers with 17 points and five rebounds while Cousin came off the bench to add 14 points and five rebounds.

Plain had eight points and six steals and Landy added seven points and five steals.

Kasai Fontanez also had seven points, Jerry Maxinaud finished with nine rebounds and five points and Jeremiah Barze chipped in one point.

SSU scored 32 points off 25 Kentucky State turnovers, received 28 points from their bench and scored 30 points in the paint.

The Tigers ended the game shooting 40.7 percent from the field.

Savannah State will attempt to run their winning streak to four games on Monday when they take on Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio.

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