January 5, 2009 – AUGUSTA, GA – Playing after a month-long layoff and with only two regular starters, the Maroon Tigers lost to the Paine College Lions, 78-69.

Out of action for the holiday break, since December 6, Morehouse played with Larry Diamond and Jelani Figures, but without starters Kenney Boyd, J.P. Felder and Travis Floyd.

Morehouse kept the game close in the first half and trailed 34-30 at the break. Paine broke it open in the second period, leading by as many as 15, with two minutes remaining.

Morehouse leading scorer Larry Diamond led all scorers, with 27 points, hitting 9-of-16 shots from the field and 8-of-12 free throws. The senior guard from Lithonia, Ga., played all 40 minutes and pulled down six rebounds.

Sophomore Roderick Williams, who missed the first six games of the season, with an ankle injury, was back in the lineup and made a major impact. The 6’-7” power from Riverdale, GA hit 8-of-13 shots from the field, for 18 points, and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.

Jelani Figures, the only other regular starter to play, scored nine points, grabbed four rebounds and handed out two assists.

Senior Paul Williams, an occasional starter for the past two years, returned to the Morehouse lineup for the first time this season. He played 21 minutes and hit a three-pointer.

Morehouse fell to 3-4 (1-3 SIAC). Paine improved to 3-7 (2-5 SIAC).

Three Lions scored in double figures, led by Najee Tolbert, with 19 points.
The Maroon Tigers return to home action, Saturday, at 3 p.m., against the Miles Golden Bears. Morehouse lost 82-81 to Miles on December 6.