FORT VALLEY, Ga. __ Despite a career-high 31 points from junior
D'Anthony Pennington, Tuskegee dropped their SIAC opener in a high-scoring 80-72 contest on Saturday evening inside of HPE Arena.
Pennington's total marked the most by a TU player this season, as he shot 9-of-18 from the field, 5-for-8 from deep, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Forwards
Kusamae Draper and
Martez Jones also finished in double figures, with Draper adding 17 points and six rebounds, while Jones finished with a double-double of 12 points and career-high 16 rebounds.
Tuskegee finished the game shooting 48.1 percent (25-for-52) from the field, 50 percent (7-for-14) from long range, and just 51.7 percent (15-for-29) from the free throw line. Fort Valley State shot 49 percent (24-for-49) from the field, 33.3 percent (6-for-18) from three, and 74.3 percent (26-for-35) from the free throw line.
The Golden Tigers started the game fast, jumping out to a 7-2 lead early and being up 14-7 at the 14-minute mark of the first half. Fort Valley State battled back over the next few possessions, later tying the game at 19-19 with ten minutes to go.
Tuskegee went up double figures for the first time at the six-minute mark, after a 13-2 run capped by a Pennington three to put TU up 32-21, however, the Wildcats finished the half strong, closing the half on a 13-5 run to close the gap to just 39-37 at the half. Pennington had 21 of his 31 in the opening period, going 5-for-5 from behind the arc.
The Golden Tigers jumped back out to a six-point lead early in the second, however Fort Valley State responded once again, tying the game at 49-49 at the 15-minute mark. Following the run, Tuskegee broke away again, going up 62-55 with 11:05 to play, before seven unanswered points from the Wildcats tied the game once more.
From there, Fort Valley State took control of the game, continuing the run with six more points before a free throw from Tuskegee, to end the drought. The Golden Tigers continued to struggle offensively down the stretch, trailing by nine three times over the last few minutes in the 80-72 loss.
Kenton Eskridge led Fort Valley State with 20 points, three steals and three assists, followed by Myson Lowe who added 17 points on the day. Fast break points proved to be crucial in the contest, as Fort Valley outscored Tuskegee 18-0 in the category. The Wildcats outgained the Golden Tigers 27-6 in bench points, 20-12 in points off turnovers, and 16-7 in second chance points.
UP NEXT
November 27, 2023: at Albany State
Tuskegee remains on the road to face Albany State inside of the HPER Complex on Monday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.
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