Photo by: Justin Darden

By: Auzzy Byrdsell, Staff Writer 

Last night, the Maroon Tigers defeated the Fort Valley State University Wildcats, 66-64 in a double overtime victory in Forbes Arena. This is the first four game win streak the Maroon Tigers have had since last season’s 18 game streak.  Forward Kerry Richardson led the way with a heroic 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two steals while playing 49 minutes. 

Richardson’s three pointer late in the second overtime put the Maroon Tigers up four and put the game out of reach for the Wildcats.  

Morehouse recaptured the lead at about eight minutes into the second half after a 12-4 run. This rally was led by point guard Ibn Williams, scoring three huge baskets from three. Williams played the entire game and had a huge role in the victory with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

“Coach Clay did a good job of keeping us poised and just making the game fun,” Williams said. “Never getting too high, never getting too low.”

This is their fourth consecutive win under interim head coach Harold Clay. His poise and rapport with the team has contributed greatly to their performance. 

“They’re calm and collected because I’m calm and collected,” Coach Clay said. 

As the game fluctuated, the Maroon Tigers were able to persevere through the force of Fort Valley. 

The Wildcats’ intense half-court defense in the first half held the Maroon Tigers to 33 percent from the field and forced eight turnovers. Their ball movement in the paint created momentum to close the first half strongly. 

KJ Doucet was the heart of the Wildcats offense, recording 24 points, including an acrobatic finish at the rim in the first overtime to cut the lead to two. 

The Maroon Tigers winning the rebound battle and allowing seven offensive boards kept them in the game. Christian Lamar was pivotal in the second half comeback with his intensity on both ends of the floor. Lamar recorded seven rebounds and five steals.

The Maroon Tigers move to a 11-8 record, solidifying third place in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference division. 

Copy Edited by Miles Johnson