ORANGEBURG, SC---The South Carolina State Bulldogs closed out the regular season Saturday (Nov.24^th) with an, 21-17, loss to North Carolina Central at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.

The game was a rescheduled game and originally slated for Sept. 15^th but had to be postponed due to Hurricane Florence.

"A tough way to close out the season with the game being so close," said head coach Buddy Pough. "I have to take my hats off to NCCU they came in and played hard and never gave up until the end. Like I said all year long we have a very young team and a lot to look forward in the future."

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Tyrece Nick finished 12-of-29 passing for 147-yards and two (2) touchdowns, while also rushing for 39-yards and 17 carries. Senior wide receiver Jermain Baxely caught three (3) passes for 43-yards.

Redshirt senior Jerome Pettiway had a solid day punting with six (6) punts for 266-yards with 44.3 yards per punt with 68 yards the longest. Junior linebacker Johnell Brown led the way on defense with team-high 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and one forced fumble. Chad Gilchrist added nine (9) tackles and senior linebacker Kendric Gathers with eight (8) on the day.

Senior defensive lineman Damu Ford had monster day despite the loss with seven (7) tackles, one (1) sack and four (4) tackles for loss.

The Bulldogs jumped out early 10-0 off a 12-yard pass from Nick to freshman Will Vereen with 5:48 remaining left during the half. NCCU got on the board late in the third quarter on a 31-yards pass Domini Shoffner with 0:14 seconds remaining to pull within a score 10-7.

NCCU look to be in total control in the fourth quarter with back-to-back scores from Tyquan Watson on a 19-yard scamper and a 41-yard touchdown reception from Shoffner with 6:40 remaining. SC State responded on a 30-yard pass connection from Nick to senior wide receiver Quan Caldwell to pull within a score 21-17.

SCSU last chance came on fourth down and 11 with 0:21 seconds when Nick pass to Caldwell came up a 1-yard short. NCCU to sole possession and secured the 21-17 victory. Shoffner finished 10-of-19 for 153-yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Tyler Brown caught four passes for 55-yards.

The Bulldogs close out the season with a 5-6 overall, 4-3 MEAC record.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.