TUSKEGEE, Ala. | Freshman
James Eads paced five players in double figures for the Tuskegee University, as the Golden Tigers defeated Fayetteville State 78-70 in their season opener as part of the CIAA/SIAC Challenge held at Chappie James Arena Friday night.
Eads, making his collegiate debut, scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half while shooting 45.5 (5-of-11) percent from the floor. He was joined in double figures by fellow freshman
Austin Cherry with 14 points on 50 (6-of-12) percent shooting from the floor.
Newcomer
Andrew Jimenez chipped in 13 points, while senior
Camden Foster narrowly missed a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Elijah McMillian added 12 points in the victory.
The Golden Tigers shot 45.6 (26-of-57) percent from the floor, including shooting 34.5 (10-of-29) percent from beyond the arc. They finished the night shooting 66.7 (16-of-24) percent from the free throw line, while grabbing 38 total rebounds.
Fayetteville State was led by Michael Tyson with 29 points and nine rebounds, while shooting 80 (12-of-16) percent from the floor. He was joined in double figures by Carl McCray with 13 and Xavier Robinson with 10.
The Broncos shot 37.7 (20-of-53) percent from the floor, including just 23.5 (4-of-17) percent from beyond the arc. The Broncos ended the night shooting 81.3 (26-of-32) percent from the free throw line, while grabbing 40 rebounds.
Tuskegee grabbed the lead from the outset, scoring the first two points and never relinquishing the lead. The lead grew to as many as 18 at the half and midway through the second half, before Fayetteville State was able to trim it four at 72-68 with 1:14 remaining in the contest. The Golden Tigers were able to put the game away by connecting on six of their final eight free throws.
The Golden Tigers return to action tomorrow afternoon against Johnson C. Smith in the final game of the CIAA/SIAC Challenge. The game is slated to start at 3:30 pm, or 30 minutes after the first game between Morehouse and Fayetteville State is complete.
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