Box Score GREENVILLE, SC—Senior guard Eric "EJ" Eaves tossed in a game-high 17 points, junior forward
Tashombe Riley recorded the games only double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead South Carolina State to a, 69-67, victory over Furman Friday (Dec. 16) at Timmons Arena.
"I am so proud of the way this team held their composure when things got rough down the stretch," said SC State head coach
Murray Garvin. "We will enjoy this win for 24 hours and turn our focus to our next opponent."
The Bulldogs dominated in every category leading the way in rebounding 35-28, points in the paint 32-20, 2
nd chance points 15-9, fast break points 14-11 and bench points 16-10.
South Carolina State controlled the tempo early in the game jumping out to a 25-17 lead off a jumper by junior guard
Ed Stephens at the 7:45 mark in the first half. A driving layup by Matt Rafferty cut the lead to three, 31-28 with 2:47 remaining before the half. SC State led 37-32 at halftime.
During the second half, the Bulldogs built their largest lead of the night 11, 42-53 off a layup and pair of free-throws by freshman forward
Ian Kinard at the 13:19 mark. A three-pointer by Daniel Fowler sparked a Paladin 18-7 run to tie the game 60-60 with 4:32 remaining in regulation.
Riley's rebound followed by layup tied the game 67-67 for the fifth time during the night with 0:33 seconds remaining. SC State's defense proved to be too much for Furman down the stretch forcing a turnover with 0:08 seconds left.
Senior guard
Greg Mortimer's jumper with 0:04 seconds left sealed the 69-67 victory for the Bulldogs.
Junior guard James "JJ" Richardson added 10 points, five rebounds, while Mortimer chipped in nine points, four rebounds and four assists in the win.
Up next South Carolina State returns to action on Thursday (Dec. 22) on the west coast against St. Mary's College of California in Moraga, CA. Tipoff is 7 p.m. (PST)/10 p.m. (EST)
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit
www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.
