DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Savannah State University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign with a hard-fought overtime battle Friday evening, falling to Auburn University at Montgomery, 105-99, in the opening game of the Conference Crossover Challenge at the University of North Georgia Convocation Center.
The Tigers (0-1) placed four players in double figures and led by three points at halftime before the Warhawks (1-1) rallied to force overtime and eventually secure the six-point victory.
Braylon Jackson led Savannah State offensively with a team-high 26 points, connecting on 7-of-11 attempts from the field and 10-of-14 from the free-throw line. Jackson also contributed six rebounds and five assists while playing a team-high 42 minutes.
Bryce Scurlark followed with 19 points, including three three-pointers, while
Zion Davis added 17 points, six assists and a team-high four steals.
Jordan Mikell rounded out the Tigers' double-figure scorers with 16 points and a team-high seven rebounds, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the floor.
Savannah State found itself trailing early as Auburn Montgomery established an 11-point advantage, 27-16, during the opening half. However, the Tigers responded with an offensive surge, using their transition game and aggressive play around the basket to erase the deficit.
Trailing 48-43 with under three minutes remaining before halftime, Savannah State closed the period on a 10-2 run. Jackson converted a layup and free throw to give the Tigers a 50-48 advantage before Scurlark added a basket.
Antonio Sisk connected on a free throw with three seconds remaining to send Savannah State into the locker room holding a 53-50 lead.
The Tigers shot 54.1 percent (20-of-37) from the field during the opening 20 minutes, recording 34 points in the paint and 14 assists.
Both teams continued to exchange baskets throughout the second half in a contest that featured 12 ties and 12 lead changes.
Savannah State held a 91-86 advantage following a Jackson three-pointer with 3:38 remaining in regulation. However, Auburn Montgomery answered with a three-pointer from Devon McKinnon before Parker Robison scored four consecutive points to give the Warhawks a 93-91 lead with 47 seconds remaining.
Michael Swift delivered a clutch basket with 20 seconds left to tie the contest at 93-93, ultimately sending the season opener into overtime.
Auburn Montgomery opened the extra period with consecutive baskets to establish a 97-93 advantage. The Tigers continued to battle, pulling within three points at 99-96 following a pair of Scurlark free throws with 1:46 remaining.
Hugh McFarland added a free throw to trim the deficit to 99-97 with 1:10 remaining, but the Warhawks closed the contest by scoring six of the final eight points to secure the victory.
McFarland provided a strong all-around performance for Savannah State, finishing with 10 points, a game-high nine assists, five rebounds and two steals.
As a team, the Tigers shot 52.1 percent (38-of-73) from the field and finished with 28 assists on their 38 made baskets. Savannah State also held a 56-44 advantage in points in the paint and outscored Auburn Montgomery 22-19 in fast-break points.
The Warhawks countered by connecting on 12 three-pointers compared to five for Savannah State and held a 41-30 rebounding advantage. Auburn Montgomery also converted 19 Tiger turnovers into 30 points.
Robison led Auburn Montgomery with a game-high 37 points, 10 assists, seven steals and six rebounds. McKinnon added 19 points, while Victor Odiari finished with 14 points.
Despite the setback, Savannah State displayed an explosive offensive attack in its season debut under second-year head coach
Clevan Thompson, scoring 99 points and recording five players with at least 10 points.
Savannah State will conclude play in the Conference Crossover Challenge on Saturday afternoon when the Tigers face Emmanuel University. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
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