ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS __ The Tuskegee Golden Tigers men's basketball team earned a hard-fought 71-60 victory over Winston-Salem State on day one of the YES U.S. Virgin Islands HBCU Classic on Friday, December 13, inside the Eudora Kean High School Gym.
With the win, Tuskegee improves to 4-5 overall, showcasing solid performances on both ends of the floor.
The game began with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first half. Winston-Salem State came out strong early, but Tuskegee quickly found its rhythm, executing offensively and defending with intensity.
Tuskegee finished the first half leading 39-25, with Wesley Tubbs III leading the charge with 28 points.
The Golden Tigers' defense was key, limiting Winston-Salem State to 38.5 percent shooting from the field and a dismal 10.5 percent from beyond the arc, which allowed Tuskegee to build a solid lead.
In the second half, Winston-Salem State made a push, scoring 35 points, but Tuskegee was able to maintain control of the game.
Despite the resilience of Winston-Salem State, Tuskegee's defense held firm, and they made key shots in the final minutes to secure the win.
Tuskegee's offensive efficiency was a standout in the game, as they shot 54.2 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from the free-throw line.
The Golden Tigers also won the battle on the boards, pulling down 31 rebounds and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities with 11 points off offensive rebounds.
Additionally, Tuskegee forced 14 turnovers and turned them into 14 points off those turnovers, further strengthening their overall performance.
The victory was important for Tuskegee as it not only improved their overall record but also demonstrated their ability to execute on both sides of the ball in a neutral-site game against a strong opponent.
Kusamae Draper led Tuskegee with 19 points and eight rebounds in the win. Meanwhile,
Kevin Sesberry contributed 17 points and 3 rebounds, followed by
D'Anthony Pennington added 10 points, four assists, and three rebounds, continuing his strong playmaking and scoring contributions.
For Winston-Salem State, Wesley Tubbs III led the team with a game-high 28 points, while Jeremy Dixon added 15 points and seven rebounds.
However, the Rams struggled with their 3-point shooting, converting only 2-of-19 attempts, which hindered their chances of mounting a comeback.
Up Next
Tuskegee will now look to continue their momentum as they face a familiar foe on Saturday, taking on Albany State at 1:30 p.m. local time on day two of the tournament.
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
Twitter,
Instagram and
Facebook.
