COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Golden Tigers (10-4, 5-2 SIAC) returned from the holiday break to earn a decisive win over Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) opponent Allen, 81-52, inside of John Hurst Adams Gymnasium to start 2023 play on Monday evening.
 
Tuskegee jumped out to an early lead after a three from D'Anthony Pennington (Kansas City, Miss.) on their second possession, however found themselves trailing 11-5 with just under 16 minutes to play after a three from the Yellow Jackets.
 
After trading scores over the next few possessions, Devin Booker (Chicago, Ill.) helped Tuskegee regain a lead with three long range makes, along with scores from Gregg Boyd (Seat Pleasant, Md.) and Steve Dulley (Kansas City, Mo.) to go up 27-16 with 7:39 to remaining in the half.
 
Allen cut the lead to single digits later despite battling back-and-forth for the remainder of the half, Tuskegee led 34-26 at the half.
 
The Golden Tigers came out strong after the break as Boyd scored 11 unanswered points as part of a 17-2 run to open the second half of play.
 
From there, Tuskegee continued to control the momentum, never leading by less than 20 points heading forward and gaining a 30-point edge with just under 15 minutes to play, maintain momentum throughout the remainder of the win.
 
Booker led the way offensively with 22 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while Boyd also added 20 points and three assists, followed by Kusamae Draper (Conyers, Ga.) who finished with a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
 
Up Next
Tuskegee will return to action on Wednesday, January 4, as they remain in Columbia to face Benedict in their second of four road SIAC games to start 2023. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST inside of HRC Arena.
 
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