CHARLOTTE, N.C. | The Tuskegee University men's basketball team wrapped up the first half of their season Thursday night, falling to Johnson C. Smith 71-50 in non-conference action at Brayboy Gymnasium.

Myles Thomas came off the bench to lead Tuskegee (1-10, 0-2 SIAC) with a career-high 15 points, tying a mark he set against Georgia College (11/30/16); while he also tied his career marks of field goals made (four), three-point field goals made (three) and free throws made (four). The freshman was the only player in double figures for Tuskegee in the loss, however, Austin Cherry finished with eight points in his first start of the season.

The Golden Tigers finished the night shooting 32 (16-of-50) percent from the floor and 25 (4-of-16) percent from beyond the arc, while shooting 70 (14-of-20) percent from the free throw line.
 

Golden Tigers drop second consecutive road game, falling to Johnson C. Smith Thursday night @TheSIAC #TUPride #AllTUDoIsWin pic.twitter.com/XbQzyngop1

— #AllTUDoIsWin (@MyTUAthletics) December 16, 2016

Meanwhile, Gabon Williams led all scorers with 16 for Johnson C. Smith (4-6, 0-0 CIAA), connecting on five shots - including three three-pointers - in the victory. Christian Williams added 11 points and seven rebounds for the Bulls who finished the night shooting 42 (21-of-50) percent from the floor and 41.7 (5-of-12) percent from beyond the arc. The Bulls also shot 82.8 (24-of-29) percent from the free throw line, while forcing 22 Tuskegee turnovers.

Tuskegee will return to action January 2, 2017 against Claflin University in a doubleheader with the women's program. The men will tip at 3:00 pm inside Chappie James Arena, in a game that will be carried by the Tuskegee Digital Network.

Stat of the Game
The Tuskegee bench scored 38 percent of the team's points on Thursday night as they made a chance in the starting five for the first time in five games. Freshman Myles Thomas came off the bench for the first time this season, and responded by tying his career high with 15 points in the loss. The freshman 51.7 (4-of-7) percent from the floor and 60 (3-of-5) percent from beyond the arc; while also hitting all four of his free throws.

Team Stat of the Game
The Golden Tigers connected on 14 of their 20 free throws on the night, hitting 70 percent of their shots. The Golden Tigers scored 28 percent of their points from the free throw line in the loss.

Noteworthy
* Myles Thomas tied his career-high with 15 points off the bench for the Golden Tigers, tying his output from the contest against Georgia College (11/30/16). He also tied his career high with four field goals made (Georgia College), three three-point field goals made (Georgia College) and four free throws (twice - last Johnson C. Smith).
* James Eads was held out of double figures for just the second time in nine games this season for the Golden Tigers. The sophomore had a streak of eight consecutive games snapped, as the last time he was held out of double figures coming in the season opener against Palm Beach Atlantic (11/11/16).
* Austin Cherry earned his first start of the season and responded with eight points in the loss.
* Elijah McMillan played in his second game of the season after being injured in preseason camp, and it was the first time he played in back-to-back games since the end of last season. The junior responded with three points and three rebounds.

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