Senior forward Jamorris Gaines recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but the Albany State Golden Rams lost to the Benedict College Tigers 75-71. With the loss, ASU falls to 7-8, 4-3 in the SIAC. Benedict improves to 11-4, 6-1.

In the first half, Albany State led 15-13 at the 8:53 mark, despite cold shooting early. Benedict was able to take the lead at 17-15 with 7:52 left in the first half. The Tigers led 37-27 with 1:07 remaining before Larry Bullock hit a jumper to cut ASU’s deficit to 37-29 at intermission.

The second half saw Benedict stretch their lead to 58-42 with 13:16 remaining in regulation. Still trailing 60-48, Albany State used a furious 12-3 run to close within three, 63-60. The Tigers scored to make the score 65-60, but Gaines nailed a three-pointer to cut his team’s deficit to 65-63 with 4:38 left in the game.

Another three-pointer by Bullock brought the Golden Rams within one, 67-66. After a couple of empty possessions by Albany State, Benedict increased its lead to 73-66 with 1:16 left to play in the game. Free throws by Demetri Wheeler and a Bullock trey closed Albany State’s deficit to 73-71 with 11 seconds left.

After a missed Tiger free throw, ASU had a chance to tie the game, but a charge by Gaines with three seconds left in regulation gave the ball back to Benedict. The Tigers hit two free throws to seal the win.

Bullock led the Golden Rams in scoring with 17 points, including four three-pointers. Joe Williams netted 14 points and pulled down six rebounds. James Lodman added 10 points and six rebounds.

The Golden Rams were 21-54 (38.9%) from the field, 9-22 (40.9%) from three-point range and 20-26 (76.9%) from the free throw line. They outrebounded Benedict 39-35.