Manatee Review

Edward Waters had an opportunity to send shockwaves throughout the SIAC East with a road upset win over SIAC East division leading Savannah State, leading by as many as 19 points. However, the second half was the undoing for the Purple & Orange as SSU clawed back to send EWU to a heartbreaking 80-78 loss on Saturday afternoon at Tiger Arena.

Edward Waters (3-13, 2-9 SIAC) started the contest out as strongly as they have in recent games, shooting out to a 28-19 lead at just over the midway point of the first half. The Tigers from there went on a 12-2 run and ballooned their lead to a game-high 19 points at 40-21 with 5:49 remaining. Savannah State (11-5, 9-3 SIAC) went on a late run and cut the lead down nine at the end of the first half at 41-32 at halftime.

The second half of the contest saw Edward Waters move back up to double digits and lead by as many as 16 at 60-44 with 13:45 remaining in the second half. Savannah State methodically chopped the advantage down by going on a 22-5 run to take a 66-65 lead with 7:22 remaining. SSU's lead grew to eight at 73-65 with 5:48 remaining. Edward Waters went on a run and cut the lead down to one point at 79-78 with :28 remaining and even had a chance to win the contest down the stretch. A critical EWU turnover with :07 remaining spelled the end for EWU as Savannah State earned the come-from-behind victory.

Edward Waters outshot Savannah State 54% to 50% in the contest, including a 42% to 27% advantage from beyond the arc. It was the Tigers' turnovers in the contest that did them in with 19 turnovers that turned into 22 SSU points.

Larry Kuimi led Edward Waters with 22 points and eight rebounds, Cahlib Edwards finished with 14 points, Jonathan Kanyanga chipped in with 12 points, eight rebounds, and nine blocks, and Byron Abrams finished with 10 points, six boards, and six assists. 

The Tigers will return to action on Monday, January 23rd with a home matchup against Benedict at 7:30pm at the Adams-Jenkins Complex. 

Original source can be found here.