TUSKEGEE, Ala. – James Eads scored a season high 32 points and helped the Tuskegee University men's basketball earn a 72-66 win over Spring Hill College at the Chappie James Center Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Tigers (1-7, 1-2 SIAC West) held a 30-28 lead at the halftime intermission, but came out of the locker rooms hot, racing to a 46-34 advantage. SHC used six-consecutive free throws to cut the deficit to 51-48 and then a Badger slam dunk off an offensive rebound clawed SHC back within 51-50.

Leading 53-52 with two minutes to play, the Badgers lost a turnover to a steal that resulted in a fast break layup, but SHC answered with a backdoor layup on the other side of the court. Senior guard Matevz Rojc put two free throws in the hoop with 5:19 left to give SHC a 56-55 lead for the first time in the second half. Tuskegee would later tie the game at 56-56 with 4:30 on the clock off 1-of-2 free throws.

As a team, SHC shot 41.3% (19-46) from the field and 23.1% (3-13) from 3-point range. The Badgers suffered 12 turnovers versus two steals by Tuskegee while making 25-of-31 free throw attempts for an 80.6% showing at the charity stripe. Brandon Fischer scored 16 points with a game-high 13 rebounds as Rojc poured in 15 points and Gresyn Rogers added 10 points from the bench.

The Golden Tigers shot 48.9% (22-45) overall and 33.3% (8-24) from 3-point distance while also losing 12 turnovers to four steals by Spring Hill. James Eads scorched the Badgers for 32 points and Travis Flagg pitched in 14 tally marks in the scorebook along with eight assists. TU made 87% (20-23) of their free throws, but SHC won the war of rebounding by a 29-24 margin.

Tuesday, TU travels to Valdosta State for a rematch that starts at 7:30 p.m.