Morehouse Captures SIAC Championship, Tops Tuskegee 66–56

MORROW, Ga. — The Morehouse Maroon Tigers men’s basketball are champions once again.

Morehouse defeated the Tuskegee Golden Tigers men’s basketball 66–56 Saturday night at the Clayton County Convocation Center to win the SIAC Men’s Basketball Tournament title, completing a dominant run through the bracket and securing the program’s first tournament championship since 2003.

The victory marks the seventh tournament title for Morehouse in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and sends the Maroon Tigers back to the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2018. Morehouse finished the season 22–9 overall.

In his first season leading the program, head coach Larry Dixon set a program milestone with 22 victories — the most ever by a first-year head coach at Morehouse.

The championship also carried special meaning for athletic director Harold Ellis, who became the first Morehouse alum to be part of both a regular-season and tournament championship as a player and later as athletic director.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Tuskegee jumped out early behind perimeter shooting, taking an 8–0 lead after three-pointers from Khalil Genwright and Roy Obsaint.

But Morehouse quickly answered.

Sincere Key sparked the Maroon Tigers off the bench with back-to-back three-pointers and later added a jumper to tie the game at 10–10, igniting the Morehouse offense.

The Maroon Tigers then began attacking inside, with Josiah Lawson scoring on consecutive possessions during a 13–4 run that pushed Morehouse ahead 23–14 midway through the first half.

From there, the lead continued to grow.

Sincere Moore knocked down a pair of three-pointers, and a transition three-point play by Jared White helped extend the advantage. Later, a three from JerMontae Hill and a fast-break layup by Caleb Thompson stretched the lead to 31–16.

Tuskegee closed the half with a late three from R.J. Walker, but Morehouse still carried a comfortable 33–24 lead into halftime.

Tigers Pull Away

Morehouse wasted little time creating separation in the second half.

A three-pointer from Brandon Peters and another from Hill sparked a 9–1 run that pushed the Maroon Tigers ahead 42–25 — their largest lead of the night.

Tuskegee fought back midway through the half behind inside scoring from Anthony Wright and Kusamae Draper, cutting the deficit to 44–34.

But each push was answered.

Key knocked down a deep jumper and Lawson followed with a three-point play to restore a double-digit lead. Moments later, Lawson buried a three-pointer that stretched the margin to 54–38, effectively halting Tuskegee’s comeback hopes.

Morehouse controlled the final minutes with steady defense and disciplined offense to secure the 66–56 victory and the conference crown.

Standout Performances

Lawson led the way with 17 points and four rebounds and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Moore added 11 points and five rebounds, while Hill finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two steals. Key also contributed 10 points off the bench in the win.

With the championship secured, Morehouse now awaits the selection announcement for the NCAA Division II Tournament as the Maroon Tigers prepare for their return to the national stage.