Morgan State secured a hard-fought 72-67 victory over South Carolina State at Hill Field House, driven by a strong performance from Elijah Davis. The Bears' guard tallied 18 points and 6 assists, pacing his team to a much-needed win. Davis was supported by Rob Lawson, who chipped in 17 points, and Alfred Worrell Jr., who added 14 points to the effort.
The first half saw South Carolina State take a narrow lead, outscoring Morgan State 34-32. Jayden Johnson was the catalyst for the Bulldogs, scoring 13 of his game-high 23 points in the opening period. Johnson also dished out 5 assists, showcasing his all-around skills. However, Morgan State adjusted its defense in the second half, limiting Johnson's scoring opportunities and holding the Bulldogs to 33 points.
The Bears, on the other hand, found their rhythm in the second half, scoring 40 points to pull away from South Carolina State. Davis and Lawson combined for 21 points in the period, helping Morgan State build a lead that the Bulldogs couldn't overcome. Despite a late surge from South Carolina State, the Bears maintained their composure and closed out the game.
The win improves Morgan State's record to 8-13, while South Carolina State falls to 5-16. While neither team is likely to make a deep postseason run, the victory is still important for Morgan State's resume. The game was classified as a Quadrant 4 contest for both teams, and the Bears' ability to protect their home court will be viewed favorably by the selection committee.
Morgan State's performance was a reflection of its resilience and determination. The Bears have struggled at times this season, but they have shown an ability to bounce back from adversity. With Davis and Lawson leading the charge, Morgan State has the potential to be a spoiler in its upcoming games.
For South Carolina State, the loss is a disappointment, but Johnson's outstanding performance is a positive takeaway. The Bulldogs' guard has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, and his continued development matters to the team's future success.
The outcome of this game may not have real consequences for the tournament landscape, but it is still an important result for both teams. Morgan State's win helps to bolster its resume, even if it's just a Quadrant 4 victory. As the season enters its final stretch, the Bears want to build on this momentum and finish strong. The loss for South Carolina State, on the other hand, makes its path to a potential postseason berth even more difficult, but the Bulldogs will aim to learn from the experience and grow as a team.