Miles used a dominant second quarter to take the lead, then staved off a late comeback attempt and the Tuskegee University basketball team fell short 54-48 Saturday at Knox-Windham Gymnasium. Alexis Carter scored a game-high 19 points along with sic rebounds and four blocked shots.

The Golden Tigerettes (16-6, 11-3) came into the game knowing a victory would earn the Western Division crown and a the top seed for the SIAC Tournament. After scoring the first seven points of the game and holding a 14-4 lead early in the second quarter, the Lady Bears went on a 16-2 run over the next six minutes to take a lead it would not relinquish. A three pointer by Victoria Sutton before the horn gave Miles a 28-21 lead at the half. Sutton scored a team-high 14 points for MHC.

The lead would balloon to 16 points late in the third quarter on a steal and layup by Sakina Wynn. A jumper by Amya Bryant with a second remaining in the period sent the Lady Bears into the fourth quarter with a 46-33 advantage.

The Golden Tigers  came barreling back in the fourth. Using a 15-3 run, the Golden Tigerettes cut the Miles lead to 49-48 with 1:20 remaining. After both teams traded turnovers, it was Najla Shamsid-Deen who hit an off-balanced shot off the glass to push the lead back to three points. On the ensuing possession, Raiana Johnson took a charge as India Blakely (10 points) drove the basket. Tuskegee would not have another possession with a chance to tie for the remainder of the contest.

India Blakely, the only other TU player in double figures finished with 10 points.

Tuskegee plays its final home game of the season Monday hosting Spring Hill College for Senior Night. The game will be carried live on the Tuskegee Digital Network.