ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State men's basketball post their first victory of the season in a 63-57 victory over visiting Florida A&M Saturday (Feb.27^th) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
 
"I'm getting emotional," said a joyful head coach Murray Garvin. "Young people don't get enough credit for their resiliency during this pandemic. I give credit to those guys. They've hung in there. They have great character."
 
This season was filled with many obstacles related to COVID-19, and a grueling basketball schedule before conference play began in January of 2021. And, when the calendar turned, so too did the Bulldogs fortunes. SC State had multiple lengthy quarantines due to the virus.
 
"I'm just really happy for them," added Garvin. "If you guys could have seen the locker room afterward. It's not about me. It's about this university and the young men in that locker room."
 
Freshman forward Floyd Rideau, Jr., led the Bulldogs with a team-high 15 points connecting 3-of-6 from behind the arc, while sophomore guard Omar Croskey added 13 in the win.
 
The Bulldog defense forced the Rattlers to a game-high 22 turnovers. Jalen Speer led FAMU with 20 points in the loss.
 
South Carolina State will have a quick turnaround when they host Florida A&M Sunday (Feb. 28^th) in the final of a three-game MEAC series in Orangeburg. Tip-off is 2 p.m.
 
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.