JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Savannah State interim head coach Clevan Thompson's defensive game plan worked in the Tigers 66-44 win over Edward Waters on Saturday evening in the Adams-Jenkins Complex.

Savannah State's defense held Edward Waters to a 25.5 shooting percentage from the field and limited them to make just two of 18 attempts from beyond the arc. SSU also scored 21 points off 19 Edward Waters turnovers.

The Tigers, who out-rebounded Edward Waters 43 to 32, had 28 points in the paint and outscored EWU 12-1 in fast break points.

The victory gives Savannah State the season sweep over Edward Waters (16-10, 12-6 SIAC).

With 5:12 left in the first period and leading 16-14, SSU put together a 10-2 rally that extended their lead to 26-16 with just under two minutes remaining.

EWU could not get any closer than six and Savannah State went into intermission ahead 28-20.

A layup by Qua King and a layup from Jaydon Cousin put SSU ahead by a dozen to start the second period.

Edward Waters shrunk their deficit to 33-25 but SSU responded with a jumper by Austin Lewis followed by back-to-back 3-pointers by Ayjay Plain and Lewis to put them ahead by 16 with 13:48 left.

With just over seven minutes remaining and a ten point cushion, the Tigers used a 15-1 run to get their largest lead of the night at 62-38 with 3:19 showing on the clock.

EWU never got any closer than 20 the rest of the way.

The game was a homecoming for Jacksonville natives Lewis, Michael Swift and Jordan Mikel.

Lewis finished with seven points and three steals and although Swift or Mikel scored, they did get playing time.

Plain led all scorers with 13 points and five rebounds. King added 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Jeremiah Barze had nine points and six rebounds, Kasai Fontanez had eight points, Landy had seven, Cousin scored six while Jerry Maxinaud and Juan Gordon chipped in two points each.

Savannah State (12-11, 10-9 SIAC) will return home to face Fort Valley State at 7:30 p.m. on February 24.

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