By: Rece Allen, Sports Producer 

On Wednesday, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers won in Forbes Arena against the Albany State Golden Rams 81-63. The Maroon Tigers defensive presence and electrifying plays led to their dominant win. 

The team looked to their bench tonight to provide a spark from their stagnant start. Demetrius Calip II (DC) was the leading scorer off the bench, finishing with a team-high 19 points. Calip shot eight for 11 from the field, recorded three steals, and multiple fastbreak dunks that got the crowd excited. 

“He’s a stud, and he loves to score the ball,” said Coach Whittler in the post-game interview with the Maroon Tiger. “His role is big; we need him to be able to score the ball for us.”

As the Maroon Tigers struggled to find their shot early in the game, the team was also able to regain their momentum through easy baskets created by steals and blocks on defense. The team finished the game with six steals and eight blocks, four of which came from starting freshman wing Cedric Taylor III. 

“They struggled with the zone, and we figured that out. We were getting a lot of stops, then we got the offense rolling, and it was pretty much because of the defense,” said Coach Whittler. “We got some transition points, hit a couple of threes, and got some drives to the basket to help us get some separation.” 

The team identity has changed this year compared to last year. The guards are much bigger in size and length, allowing the team to crash the boards better and defend more effectively.

Guard Damion Mitchell is 6’5, guard Cedric Taylor III is 6’7, and guard Omar Rowe is 6’5. Pairing them with players like Jaden Gray and Keshawn Pegues, both physically on the court in strength and quickness, are the keys to the team’s success so far in the season and tonight’s game.  

“This year, we got bigger guards because it helps us in the rebounding battle. It also helps us to finish at the basket and on the defensive side… It’s working for us; we are winning more than we are losing, and I hope we can continue the trend.”

Coach Whittler keeps the same message with the team: to remain focused, as The Maroon Tigers still hold the #2 seed in the East division of the SIAC standings. They will move on to the next game, a rematch with the Albany State Golden Rams at Jones Brothers HPER Complex on Saturday at 4 pm. 

Edited by: Kobe Scales, Sports Editor