By: Kobe Scales, Sports Editor

On Thursday, January 18th, Morehouse College’s Maroon Tigers basketball team captured their eighth conference win over Benedict College(13-2). The 76-69 win over the #8 team in NCAA Div. II moved Morehouse into first place in the SIAC and improved the team record to 10-5. 

What seemed to be Morehouse’s whole student body showed up to support the Maroon Tigers in the first game back since winter break. The fans positively impacted the team, helping keep the energy alive when it seemed Benedict might take over. 

“I love my school, I love the student body, I love the faculty and staff. They came out and showed out all night for us,” said Coach Whittler. 

Significant contributions from freshman guard and wing players Damion Mitchell and Cedric Taylor III led the team to the big win. Mitchell ended the game with 14 points, three assists, and seven rebounds, while Taylor contributed 17 points and six rebounds. 

“They’ve been playing a lot of minutes early, so I told them about four games ago, ‘You all are not freshmen anymore.’ We knew what type of players they were and knew they could step in and play at this level,” said Coach Whittler. 

“I wouldn’t call it nervous, but it’s a lot of pressure. I stay humble and keep my head down and work through it,” said Mitchell when asked about playing big minutes as a freshman. 

Morehouse also won the rebounding battle 39-29 on the night to help offset the poor shooting performance. The Maroon Tigers shot 20% from three and 39% from the field. 

Benedict’s explosive offense kept the game close for most of the night. The Maroon Tigers’ biggest lead was eight points with six minutes to play in the first half. There were also a total of 10 lead changes throughout the game. 

Benedict had three double-figure players: Asanti Price scored 19 points, Tim Moore scored 18, and Marshaun West scored 12. Back-to-back big dunks from Price and Moore caused a quick momentum shift that would not last long before Morehouse regained its composure. 

“I just let them know it isn’t worth more than two points,” said coach Whittler. 

A significant win for Morehouse should give them the momentum they need going into the second half of the season and a four-game road stretch. 

Edited by: Rece Allen, Sports Producer