TUSKEGEE, Ala. – The Tuskegee University men's basketball team is set for a pivotal SIAC showdown as they host long-time rival Miles on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center on HBCU Go. With both teams in the thick of the SIAC West Division title race, this matchup carries major postseason implications.
 
The Golden Tigers enter the contest at 10-10 overall and 8-6 in SIAC play, riding a seven-game win streak.
 
Meanwhile, Miles boasts an impressive 17-3 overall record and a 13-1 mark in conference play, coming in on an eight-game win streak of their own.
 
This meeting marks the second battle between these teams this season, with Miles taking the first matchup last month in Birmingham.
 
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Feb. 8
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Tuskegee, Ala. (Daniel "Chappie" James Center)
Watch Live: HBCU GO
Listen Live: Golden Tiger Sports Network (GTSN)
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats

ABOUT TUSKEGEE (10-10, 8-6 SIAC)
Tuskegee has found its rhythm over the past few weeks, showcasing an efficient offense paired with a suffocating defense.
 
The Golden Tigers are averaging 66.6 points per game while holding opponents to 63.5 points per contest, giving them a +3.1 scoring margin. Their defensive presence has been key, limiting opponents to just 38.2% shooting from the field and 27.5% from three-point range.
 
Offensively, Kevin Sesberry has been the go-to option, leading the team with 17.0 points per game while shooting 43% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc. His ability to score at all three levels makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenses. 
 
Kusamae Draper, the reigning SIAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week, has been a force inside, averaging 16.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, providing a consistent post presence and second-chance opportunities. The forward has scored at least 20 points in three straight games, as well as three of the last four contests.
 
D'Anthony Pennington has been the floor general for Tuskegee, averaging 12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while knocking down 33.7% of his three-pointers. His leadership and ability to create for others will be crucial in this matchup.
 
Defensively, RJ Walker has been a key piece, averaging 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, along with being a disruptive force in the passing lanes.
 
Tuskegee's success has been fueled by their ability to force turnovers, averaging 7.7 steals per game and turning those into transition opportunities. They will look to continue their strong defensive play against a Miles team that has been dominant on both ends of the floor.
 
ABOUT MILES (17-3, 13-1 SIAC)
Miles enters the game as the top team in the SIAC West, having lost just once in conference play this season. The Golden Bears are averaging 72.1 points per game, while holding opponents to just 60.9 points per game, boasting a +11.2 scoring margin, one of the best in the conference.
 
Alvin Miles leads the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game, shooting 39.8% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range. He also leads the team in assists with 3.9 per game, orchestrating the offense efficiently. 
 
Corey Trotter has been a dominant force inside, averaging 9.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while Najashi Tolefree adds 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest.
 
Miles' defense has been one of its biggest strengths, as they have held opponents to just 39.4% shooting from the field and 30.7% from three-point range.
 
They also dominate the glass, averaging 37.7 rebounds per game, with a +5.5 rebounding margin over opponents. Their ability to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities has been a key factor in their success.
 
For Tuskegee, they must continue their strong defensive pressure and force turnovers to create transition opportunities. Limiting Miles' three-point shooters and controlling the paint will be crucial to slowing down their efficient offense.
 
Offensively, they will look to the trio of Draper and Sesberry to lead the scoring charge, while Pennington and Walker provide secondary scoring and playmaking.
 
For Miles, they will aim to use their size and rebounding ability to dominate the paint and limit Tuskegee's second-chance opportunities. Their defense has been elite all season, and they will look to stifle Tuskegee's offensive attack by forcing contested shots and keeping the Golden Tigers out of rhythm.
 
This game is about more than just a win—Tuskegee is fighting to stay in the SIAC West title race, while Miles is looking to maintain their dominant position at the top of the standings. The energy will be high inside the Chappie James Center as the Golden Tigers look to defend their home court and keep their winning streak alive.
 
Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, with fans expected to pack the arena for what promises to be an electric rivalry showdown.

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.