LAS VEGAS, NV—The South Carolina State Bulldogs finished 1-3 in the Continental Tire Holiday Las Vegas Classic, after a 66-56 setback to Southern Utah Tuesday (Dec. 23) at the Orleans Arena.
 
Junior forward Darryl Palmer finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds to earn his third double-double of the season. Palmer was named to the All Tournament team with his performance along with A.J. Hess (Southern Utah), Tevin Hammond (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and LaDarrien Williams (Abilene Christian).
 
Sophomore guard Greg Mortimer tossed in a team-high 14 points, while freshman guard Edward Stephens chipped in 10 in the loss. Stephens also earned his second straight MEAC Rookie of the Week honors the league announced.
 
Southern Utah had three players in double-figures with junior A.J. Hess leading the way with 21 points.  Freshman guard James McGee and forward Tyler Rawson each chipped in 12 on the day.

South Carolina State returns to action on Tuesday, Dec.31 when they travel to take on Fordham University in a non-conference matchup. Tipoff is 2 p.m.