Photo via: @__kollin

By: Justin Darden, Sports Producer 

In a game where each team struggled to score, Talladega College relied on their high-intensity pressure defense to secure the 54-47 win over Fayetteville State University. This win secures Talledga’s undefeated weekend at the HBCU ALL-Star Challenge in Atlanta, Georgia. 

At the beginning of this game, neither team could find its rhythm on offense, as both sides combined for four points within the first five minutes. Talladega depended on their defense from the start, using their speed and swiping hands, causing the Broncos problems getting into their offensive sets. forcing a game-total 14 Turnovers.

As the Broncos struggled on offense in the first half of play, Talladega took advantage of transition points, giving them a comfortable 30-18 halftime lead. 

Jevon Tatum, point guard for Talladega, came off the bench dropping a team-high 15 points this game while shooting five of six from the field and 100% from beyond the arc and free throw line. After the game, Tatum talked about how their defense was the most significant factor in overcoming a rough offensive game for the team. 

“It starts with the work we put into practice,” Tatum said. “We do shell, 30-second shell where we talk and communicate, knowing how to close out a possession, so that played a big part of it.” 

In the Second half, the Broncos gave Talledega all they could handle, keeping the score within striking range of potentially making a comeback. A technical foul by the Broncos set back their momentum, momentum that would quickly favor Talladega with just five minutes left in the game. 

The Broncos antagonizing full-court press almost stole the game away from Talledega, only being down four with 3:11 left to play. 

Even with a tremendous second-half effort by the Broncos, Talladega’s defense withheld the Bronco attack. Standing firm in the final moments, Talladega knocked down free throw after free throw and secured the win. 

“We know when it’s crunch time, we all have to buckle up as a team. Bench, the players on the court, coaches, everybody had to buckle up and try to get the dub,” Tatum said. 

Copy edited by: Kobe Scales, Sports Editor