Top-seeded Stillman Tigers Season Ends Versus Benedict in SIAC Quarterfinals, 82-78

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  -- A second-half comeback fell short despite taking a late lead versus Benedict, ending the season for the Stillman Tigers in the SIAC Quarterfinals, 82-78.  Five players reached double-digits in points, including both seniors - Markeith Madison and Harold Ingram.

After falling behind early in the opening half Stillman took the lead for the first time, 18-17, when Ingram grabbed the offensive rebound and converted with a layup.  Kairo Cannon picked up the quick steal and found Madison for the fast break layup to extend the lead, 20-17, with 9:42 remaining in the opening half.  After Rodnerius Lewis tied the game with 5:26 to play, 25-25, Benedict used a 19-7 run to close the half and lead by a dozen points at the intermission; 44-32.  Benedict held the fist-half advantage in point in the paint, 22-14, and points off turnovers, 13-8.  Stillman turned the ball over 11 times in the opening 20 minutes.

Benedict led by as many as 15 points in the second half, 55-40, before Stillman fought back to tie the game.  Ingram connected with a 3-pointer to knot the score, 66-66, with 3:56 to play.  Ingram tied the game one more time with a long jumper, 68-68, with just over three minutes left in the game.  Lewis made the front end of a pair of free throws for the lone second-half lead for Stillman, 69-68, with 2:30 left in the game.  The game ended with Benedict using a 14-9 run fueled by Benedict converting 7-of-8 from the free throw line.

Lewis scored a team-high 17 points ahead of 14 from Ingram, 13 each from Cannon and Madison, with Maurice Crenshaw adding 12 from the bench.  Both Ingram and Madison pulled in a game-high nine rebounds.  Stillman shot 41.9 percent from the floor and 65.5 percent - 19-for-29 - from the free throw line.

The Tigers end the 2014-2015 campaign with a 17-10 overall record, including 13-6 in SIAC action and 11-1 at home.

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