Savannah State Tigers Edge Tuskegee in Thriller, Win 2025 SIAC Championship

ATLANTA — The Savannah State Tigers are back on top of the SIAC after edging out Tuskegee in a nail-biting 67-66 victory to claim their second men’s basketball championship since 2022.

The dramatic finish saw Javonte Landy hit the game-winning free throw with just two seconds remaining to secure the title. Landy delivered a stellar performance with 23 points, including four 3-pointers and crucial shots down the stretch.

Savannah State trailed by eight points with under five minutes to play but staged an impressive 14-3 run to take a late 66-63 lead. Landy powered the comeback with clutch buckets, but it was Ayjay Plain’s crucial 3-pointer that pushed the Tigers ahead with 16 seconds remaining.

Although Tuskegee managed to tie the game, Savannah State kept their composure. Landy drew a foul in the final seconds, missed his first free throw but nailed the second to lift the Tigers to victory.

Qua King, who recorded 19 points and eight rebounds, was named Tournament MVP. Both Landy and Plain, who added 16 points, earned spots on the 2025 SIAC All-Tournament Team.

The victory capped an incredible run for Savannah State, who avenged regular season losses to Spring Hill, Miles, Central State, and Tuskegee during their impressive championship journey. The Tigers now shift their focus to the NCAA Division II Tournament with momentum on their side.