By: Jalen Hunter, Sports Writer

The Morehouse Maroon Tigers fell short against the Valdosta State Blazers in their first home game 79-66. The combination of a slow start, struggles on shooting and turnovers led to the Blazers win over the Maroon Tigers.

The Maroon Tigers struggled in the first half from the three point line shooting only 11%, and 31% from the field. Due to shots not falling and struggles against the Blazers defense, the Maroon Tigers found themselves trailing for almost the entire game.

The Maroon Tigers would finish the game shooting 34% from the field and 36% from the three point line. The team also struggled from the free throw line shooting 56% and finished the game with 18 turnovers. 

“We would go on a run and get fouled but not make our free throws,” Coach Whittler said. “I thought we had an advantage inside but we missed a lot of easy shots in the paint.”

In the second half the Maroon Tigers came out stronger on offense, with 31 points scored from the bench. Cedrick Taylor III showed his offensive talents scoring 18 points shooting six for 10 from the field, seven rebounds and two assists.

Alongside Taylor, Jaden Gray also provided the Maroon Tiger with a spark off the bench scoring nine points, four rebounds and two assists.  

Despite the boost in production in the second half from the Maroon Tigers, the Blazers still were able to stay ahead by scoring 38 points in the paint and 30 fast break points. The Blazers would close out the game with a 13 point win, avenging the loss to the Maroon Tiger on November 12th 84-80.  

“We will get in the lab and work on free throws and better transition defense to prepare for Saturday’s game,” Coach Whittle said.

The Maroon Tigers move on to play Clayton State on Saturday, November 23rd in Forbes Arena for the second home game of the season.

Copy Edited by Rece Allen, Sports Editor