BALTIMORE –
Sterling Smith scored a career-high 27 points but it wasn't enough as Coppin State dropped a 73-70 decision to Savannah State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men's basketball game Monday night at the Physical Education Complex.
Smith was a man on fire as he made 8-of-10 shots from the field, including 6-of-7 from 3-point distance. For Smith, whose previous career-high was 24 points, it was the eighth time in his career he has finished with at least 20 points. Smith also complemented his performance with five rebounds and four assists.
Savannah State's Demarcus Bryant made a 3-pointer from about 24 feet with 2.3 seconds remaining to snap a 70-70 tie and provide the winning margin. He made all three of his 3-point shot attempts for the Tigers, who won earned their first road victory this season.
This was the second home game this season, Coppin State lost with a 3-pointer from the opposing team in the final three seconds.
The Eagles spent most of the night chasing the Tigers. They trailed by 12 points before pulling even at 70 with 33.2 seconds remaining following a
Dallas Gary foul shot. Coppin State shot a season-high 70.6 percent from beyond the arc (12-for-17). Even though Coppin State made all seven of its 3-point field goal attempts in the opening half, it trailed, 41-34 at intermission.
It was the 17th time this season the Eagles made at least nine 3-pointers and the sixth time in their last seven contests they finished with at least double-digit triples.
Dallas Gary and
Taariq Cephas finished with eight points each for the Eagles. Cephas handed out six assists for the second straight game. He has 419 for his career. Overall, Coppin State had 17 assists on its 24 baskets.
Savannah State controlled much of the game by shooting 63.8 percent, scoring 46 points in the paint and winning the battle of the benches, 40-18. The Tigers were led by Brian Pearson's 17 points. Saadiq Muhammad added 10 points for SSU.
Coppin State concludes its four-game homestand Saturday afternoon against Howard beginning at 4:00 p.m.
