SCSU Bulldogs Win Season Sweep Over CCU

CONWAY, South Carolina — Senior's Theron Stephens and Matthew Hezekiah tossed in a game-high 15 points each as South Carolina State completed a season sweep knocking off Coastal Carolina, 68-58, Monday at The HTC Center.

The Bulldogs snapped their two year road winless streak with the win, when SC State knocked off Kennesaw State 104-98(11/26/11) on the road in two overtimes.

"It's a great win to come on the road and beat a well coach team like Coastal Carolina," said SC State head coach Murray Garvin. "This was our first road win since 2011 and it's great for our program and I am very proud of these young men."

Stephens, the 5-9 senior, in his first start was deadly from behind the arch connecting on 5-of-9 three-pointers, while Hezekiah added a team-high eight rebounds.

Freshman point guard Jalen White seemed to be the difference maker down the stretch finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, seven assist and three steals. White scored 10 of his 12 points with less than five minutes to play in the victory.

South Carolina State (4-8) jumped out to a 15-point lead at half. Coastal Carolina's Badou Diagne made a layup to pull the Chanticleers within one, 53-52 with 5:24 to play. White was fouled on the next possession, and hit one of two free throws to give South Carolina State a 54-52 lead. The Bulldogs sealed the deal closing out on a 14-6 run.

The Chanticleers (6-7)was led in scoring by Josh Cameron with 12 points and forward Badu Diagne with 10 points. Forward Michel Enanga grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds and tossed in nine points in the loss.

Garvin stated, "We (coaching staff) talked to the players about finishing 2013 how we want to start 2014 to able to compete strong during conference play."

SC State returns to action on Friday (Jan.3) against intrastate rival South Carolina in a 7 p.m. non-conference matchup at Colonial Life Arena.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION