February 3, 2009 – ATLANTA, GA – The Maroon Tigers hit pressure free throws down the stretch and held on to win, 88-84, over the Fort Valley Wildcats.

With 17 ties and 19 lead changes, this was easily the most hotly-contested game of the season. In the end, a scrappy bunch of Maroon Tigers dove for loose balls, won the rebounding battle and clawed their way back into the win column.

The Tigers sank 24-of-33 free throws, overall, including 10-of-12 in the final five minutes, and held off a late Wildcats charge. The 72 percent shooting was second best this year. The previous best was 86 percent against Claflin in week two.

Larry Diamond tied his career-high of 27 points, to go with eight rebounds and four assists. The senior guard from Lithonia hit 9-of-16 from the field and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe. Diamond set his career-high in December against Miles. He is the current team scoring leader, with a 17-point scoring average.

In a game of balanced rebounding and scoring, two other Tigers recorded double-digit scoring and three others came close.

Kenney Boyd scored 16 points and dished out four assists. His game-high 10 rebounds helped the Maroon Tigers secure a 45-35 rebounding advantage.

Jelani Figures scored 10 points, hauled in three rebounds and had four steals.
Roderick Williams chipped in eight points and nine rebounds and J.P. Felder added nine points and eight rebounds.

Morehouse moves to 5-12 (3-11 SIAC).

Fort Valley’s Martrez Scott scored 19 to fuel the Wildcats who move to 8-11 (8-8 SIAC).

Morehouse will face off against the Benedict College Lions, the number one team in the SIAC and the South Region, Thursday, at 7:30 p.m., in Forbes Arena.