ORANGEBURG, SC—Junior guard Rayshawn Neal posted a season-high 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to lead South Carolina State to an, 70-66, victory over visiting Coppin State Saturday (Feb. 15^th) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

The Bulldogs improve to 11-10 overall, 6-5 in the MEAC, while Coppin State falls to 8-19 overall, 4-8 in the league. All-MEAC forward Damani Applewhite added 15 in the win.

South Carolina built their largest lead 12 at 14:34 mark, dominated in several categories including points in the paint (33-28), bench points (24-4) and rebounds (39-30).

Coppin State was led by Andrew Robinson with 18 points and seven rebounds.

The Bulldogs return to action on Monday (Feb. 17^th) in the second of a doubleheader versus Morgan State at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tip-off for the women is 5:30 p.m., followed by the men in a 7:30 p.m. start.

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