Talladega, Alabama -- The Talladega men's basketball team was back in action for another GCAC matchup Monday night. They hosted the #6 nationally ranked Tougaloo College.
Talladega entered play 18-6 overall and 6-3 in conference. Tougaloo came into play 19-3 overall and 8-1 in conference.
Tougaloo grabbed an early 11-7 lead over Talladega just three minutes into the game.
With ten minutes remaining in the first half the Tornadoes were still trailing Tougaloo by a score of 27-23.
Talladega tied the game at 37 with five minutes remaining in the half courtesy of Da'Jon Streeter free throws.
Talladega reclaimed a slim lead over the Bulldogs and took that into halftime, leading Tougaloo 51-50.
TJ Thomas was leading all Talladega scorers with 14 points. Jarin Hilson and Charles Shaw each recorded four assists in the half.
Talladega grabbed the lead early in the second half as they held a 57-53 lead over Tougaloo just two minutes into the half.
The game remained tight with ten minutes remaining in play with Talladega holding the slight 66-65 lead.
The Tornadoes would then surge ahead and increase their lead to 12 with three minutes remaining in play, now up 85-73.
The Tornadoes would go on to win this one by a score of 95-80.
"I'm really proud of how hard our guys played," said Head Coach Chris Wright. "We knew that we beat ourselves at their place and were looking forward to getting another shot at them."
"Tougaloo jumped on us early and took a ten point lead and then I thought we dominated the game from there," ended Coach Wright. "We held them to 27 percent shooting in the second half and just imposed our will on the glass. This was a big win for us."
The win improves Talladega's overall record to 19-6 overall and 7-3 in conference.
Talladega was led this afternoon by Thomas who finished with 20 points, 15 rebounds, and an assist. Hilson finished with 18 points and Dondre Alexander had another double-double with 14 points and ten rebounds. Shaw also finished with 14 points.
The Tornadoes will return to action Monday when they travel to Xavier. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.
Demond Walker, Assistant Athletic Director
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