TUSKEGEE, Ala. __ A late game three from guard
D'Anthony Pennington to send the game into overtime helped Tuskegee men's basketball secure a dramatic 78-76 victory over Georgia Southwestern State in a come-from-behind win at home, improving their record to 2-4 on the season.
The game, played inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center, saw Tuskegee rally from a seven-point deficit, forcing overtime and executing under pressure in the final moments.
The first half saw Georgia Southwestern State gain an early advantage, with Tuskegee struggling to find their offensive rhythm. The Hurricanes started strong, quickly jumping to a 11-point lead, largely due to their efficient shooting and Tuskegee's offensive difficulties.
With just under 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Georgia Southwestern State led 22-15, capitalizing on a series of fast-break points and solid shooting from the perimeter.
Tuskegee's defense began to show some life midway through the half, forcing the Hurricanes into several turnovers and limiting them to just 37.5 percent shooting from the field for the remainder of the half.
Despite the defensive improvements, Tuskegee's own offensive struggles continued, with the Golden Tigers shooting only 31 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes. They were also unable to consistently finish at the basket, and they also had difficulties converting from beyond the arc, shooting 1-for-10 percent from three-point range in the half.
The Hurricanes, however, capitalized on the hot start, shooting 60 percent from the field in the first half, which helped them maintain a 37-30 lead heading into the break.
Coming out of halftime, Tuskegee adjusted, increasing their defensive pressure and improving their ball movement on offense. The Golden Tigers found success in attacking the basket and scoring on fast breaks. By the 15-minute mark of the second half, Tuskegee had cut the deficit to just 41-36.
The Golden Tigers continued to apply pressure, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities off those miscues.
With just under 14 minutes to play, Tuskegee took their first lead of the game at 44-43 after a fast-break layup from
Kevin Sesberry, who had been a standout performer in the second half.
As the game progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth, with both teams exchanging leads in the final minutes. With around 4:30 left in regulation, Georgia Southwestern State led 63-60 after an offensive rebound and score from Tim Hall Jr.
The score remained the same as neither team scored for over three minutes of play, as Tuskegee pulled within one point off two free throws from Sesberry at 63-62. The Hurricanes scored on a second chance basket on their next possession, regaining a three-point lead before Pennington forced the game to overtime.
Georgia Southwestern State had a chance to reclaim the lead with a final shot but failed to convert on a shot attempt by Justin Monden.
The overtime period saw Tuskegee step up their execution and composure under pressure. Down 72-71, Sesberry hit two crucial free throws, putting the Golden Tigers ahead 73-72 with 2:12 to go.
The Golden Tigers continued to control the momentum, leading 77-76 with the ball with just over 30 seconds remaining, before Pennington made one at the line to go up two.
Georgia Southwestern State had a chance to tie or take the lead, but their missed shot was followed by a rebound as time expired.
Sesberry led Tuskegee with a career-high 29 points, along with four rebounds, and two assists. He also finished 10-for-12 from the free throw line, contributing crucial makes in the closing minutes.
Pennington finished with 18 points and four rebounds, while
Kusamae Draper added 15 points and six rebounds in the win.
Georgia Southwestern State was led by Lars Nilsen, who scored 22 points and grabbed five rebounds. Tim Hall Jr. added a huge double-double of 19 points and 20 rebounds, and Moden chipped in with 12 points and four assists for the Hurricanes.
Despite being out-rebounded 47-37, Tuskegee capitalized on key turnovers, forcing 20 turnovers by the Hurricanes, which led to 17 points off turnovers.
Up Next
Tuskegee will return to the court on Saturday, December 7, as they host Clark Atlanta inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center for a conference battle at 3 p.m.
How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Men's Basketball, visit
GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on
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