Box Score LAS VEGAS, NV—The South Carolina State Bulldogs suffered a tough, 65-59, defeat to Abilene Christian Tuesday (Dec. 22) in the Third Round of the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic at Orleans Arena.

Freshman guard Edward Stephens led the Bulldogs (4-9) with a team-high 14 points and four steals, while teammate Gerdarius Troutman added 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

"Sometimes our team can be jekyll and hide," said SC State head coach Murray Garvin. "We played well in the first half and then our youth sometimes shows up when the game gets tight.'

"Give credit to Abilene Christian they played a good game and found a way to frustrate our young guards," stated Garvin. "This loss is hard to swallow but we have to regroup and get ready for tomorrow's game against a tough Southern Utah team.

SC State outrebounded Abilene Christian 38-26 and shot 79% (19-of-24) from the free-throw line, but costly turnovers (22) seemed to be the deciding factor down the stretch as ACU scored 19 unanswered points on the way to a 65-59 victory over the Bulldogs.

 The Wildcats (5-6) had three players in double-figures with LaDarrien Williams leading the way with a game-high 16 points, while Harrison Hawkins added 15 points and five assist and Austin Cooke with 14 points and six rebounds.

Junior forward Darryl Palmer dominated the boards once again with a game-high 10 rebounds, seven points and four blocks in the loss.

SC State will face Southern Utah on Tuesday (Dec. 23) in a 12:30 p.m. (PST)/3:30 p.m. (EST) tipoff at Orleans Arena.

To follow the game click link: Link: http://www.cstv.com/gametracker/launch/?event=1410752&school=fo&sport=mbaskbl&
GT ID: 1410752

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