In a riveting contest at the Bruce Hall/Johnson Gymnasium, the LeMoyne-Owen College Magicians put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short against Tuskegee University, with the final score standing at 64-58 in favor of Tuskegee.
Despite a slow start, the Magicians rallied back with an impressive second-half performance. Tariq Shepherd led the charge for LeMoyne-Owen, scoring 11 points, including a crucial three-pointer that kept the Magicians in contention. Philpps Joseph also made significant contributions, adding 8 points and securing 6 rebounds.
The game was a back-and-forth affair with the lead changing hands 14 times. The Magicians showed their resilience, tying the score 8 times throughout the game. Their defense was particularly noteworthy, with Matthew Spears making an impact with 4 steals, showcasing the team’s ability to turn defense into offense.
LeMoyne-Owen’s bench played a pivotal role, contributing 22 points to the team’s total. Khalil Genwright came off the bench to score 9 points, providing a much-needed spark. The team’s effort in the paint was commendable, with 18 points scored in this area.
However, Tuskegee’s offense proved to be too much for the Magicians. Tuskegee’s D’Anthony Pennington was the game’s top scorer with 19 points, and Martez Jones added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, playing a crucial role in their victory.
The Magicians showed a commendable effort in the second half, matching Tuskegee’s 35 points. However, the deficit from the first half, where they trailed by 6 points, proved too large to overcome.
Despite the loss, the Magicians displayed great teamwork and determination. Their ability to fight back and keep the game competitive speaks volumes of their character and the team’s potential for the remainder of the season.
LeMoyne-Owen College will look to bounce back in their next game on Jan. 22 against Spring Hill College (Ala.). Tipoff at Bruce Hall Gymnasium is at 7:30 p.m.
