Photo by: Juwan Lee

By: Elijah Megginson, Features Editor

This game looked to be a story of heart over height. But promising guard DJ Thomas (5 ‘8), was no match for Tuskegee’s twin towers in Martez Jones (6 ‘6) and Mason Green (6’ 10). Tuskegee defeated Shaw comfortably 65-47 to go 2-0 in the HBCU All-Star Challenge.

Early into the game both teams were scrappy defensively. DJ Thomas a complete enforcer getting into taller guards, picking their pockets and forcing them to pick up dribbles. The Shaw Bears came with defensive grit early in the first half, holding the Tuskegee Tigers to only 34.4% from the field and 25% from three.

Although the Tigers shot poorly from the field, they got in rhythm early on. Around the 12 minute mark of the first half, Tuskegee’s offense was flourishing. Greg Boyd facilitated the offense finding shooters and good looks in the interior.

Boyd’s facilitating, along with Tuskegee’s twin towers in Jones and Green pushing the break and crashing the boards, led to a 31-24 lead for the Tiger’s going into the second half. The Shaw Bears went into the locker room frustrated looking for answers.

The Bears had an explosive first few minutes after the half as Jeremiah Pope made several shots behind the arc. Pope and DJ Thomas combined for a total of 30 points (Pope 16, Thomas 14) but no one else showed up on the offensive side of the ball.

The Bears struggled immensely in the second half offensively, only hitting 17.9% from the field and only 12.5% from three. 

In addition, the combination of sloppy turnovers and lackluster defense gave Tuskegee open looks and second chance points. Tuskegee’s Mason Green, Martez Jones and Gregg Boyd combined for 30 points (Green 9, Martez 9, Boyd 12) sending the Bears back to the drawing Board.

Head coach of the Tuskegee Tigers, coach Benjy Taylor was happy with the win but still looked for ways the team can improve.

“We need to get guys comfortable and acclimating guys to the line up,” Taylor said.

Copy Edited by Miles Johnson