Box Score WORCESTER, MASS—The South Carolina State Bulldogs dropped a tough, 73-57, decision to Holy Cross Friday (Nov. 25) in the third match up in the Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational at the Hart Center.

Junior forward Tashombe Riley finished with a game-high 18 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while senior guard Eric "EJ" Eaves added 12 in the loss.

The game was close early on, with the Crusaders holding a 10-7 lead with 15:51 left in the first half. South Carolina State responded with an 11-1 run of its own to close the gap to six, 31-25 with 1:30 remaining before halftime. Holy Cross sparked a quick 6-0 run to close out the half and take a 37-25 lead into the locker room.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs dominated in several categories outscoring the Crusaders 36-26 with points in the paint, 10-0 in fast break points, and 18-14 in bench points.

South Carolina State falls to 1-4 on the season, while Holy Cross improves to 2-3.

South Carolina State returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 26, in their final contest of the Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational versus Monmouth University in a 1 p.m. (EST) showdown at the Hart Center.

Season and single-game tickets to see the Bulldogs are on sale now. Make sure you don't miss the action! Tickets for South Carolina State basketball can be purchased by visiting www.scsuathletics.com or by phone at (803) 536-8579 or 1-800-298-9157

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.