Box Score ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State Bulldogs couldn't complete a season sweep of the visiting Hawks of UMES, after suffering a 68-56 defeat Saturday (Feb. 21) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center

South Carolina State falls to 10-18 overall, 7-6 in the MEAC, while UMES improves to 16-13 overall, 9-5 in the league.

"It was a disappointing loss but UMES is a very good team and well coached," said Bulldog head coach Murray Garvin. " We have another 24 hours before we play another good team in Howard Monday night."

The Bulldogs were led by freshman guard Edward Stephens with a game-high 22 points hitting 7-of -8 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range.  Stephens also led the team from the free-throw line connecting on 4-of-5 from the charity stripe.

Junior forward Darryl Palmer added 10 points, four rebounds and three blocks, while teammate sophomore Greg Mortimer chipped in eight points, five assist in the loss.

UMES was led by senior guard Devin Martin a team-high 22 points, while All-MEAC forward Michael Myers, Jr. added 17 points and eight rebounds in the win.

SC State tallied a game-high 19 turnovers, while shooting 50% (9-of-18) from the free-throw line. UMES out-rebounded the Bulldogs 35-24, while scoring 22 second chance points and 18 points off turnovers.

SC State returns to action on Monday (Feb.23) in a pivotal MEAC doubleheader with Howard University. Tipoff for the women is 5:30 p.m., with the men following immediately afterwards in a 7:30 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.