Box Score SAVANNAH, GA—The South Carolina State men's basketball team posted a much needed, 56-53, victory over host Savannah State Saturday (Feb.14) at Tiger Arena.

This was the first win ever over Tigers since Savannah State joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) back in 2011-12. SC State improves to 10-17 overall, 7-5 in the MEAC surpassing its win total from last season.

Savannah  native, sophomore guard Greg Mortimer led the Bulldogs with 11 points, while freshman forward Tashombe Riley added 10 in the win. SSU guard Terel Hall led the Tigers with 18 points.

The Bulldogs dominated the first-half jumping out to a 17 point advantage, 32-15, off a three-pointer by freshman guard Edward Stephens with 3:33 remaining. A layup by freshman forward Patrick Kirksey followed by a jumper by Riley extended  SC State's lead to 20, 38-18 to close out the first-half.

 SSU sparked a 23-5 run in the second half to pull within four, 45-41, off a layup by Alante Fenner with 8:58 remaining.  A free-throw by Hall followed by a layup guard Brian Pearson closed the gap to one, 54-53 with 0:02 seconds left in regulation.

Mortimer's down the court layup as time expired sealed the 56-53 victory for the Bulldogs.

"Anytime you can get a quality road win against a well-coached and talented team as Savannah State you have to be pleased," said SC State head coach Murray Garvin.   "A win is a win no matter how ugly it is, especially with so much this university (SC State) has faced this week."

SC State returns to action on Saturday (Feb.21) in a pivotal MEAC doubleheader with Maryland-Eastern Shore. Tipoff for the women is 4 p.m., with the men following immediately afterwards in a 6 p.m. start.
 
For more information on South Carolina State University basketball, please call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060, or visit the official Bulldogs website at www.scsuathletics.com.