SAVANNAH, Ga. – Kentucky State advances to the 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Championship after defeating Albany State 83-70 in a midday contest inside the Tiger Arena in Savannah, Georgia.
Kong Kong shot 100% from the field(8-of-8), three-point line(2-of-2), and at the free-throw line(3-of-3). His phenomenal performance allowed him to lead his team and the contest with 21 points.
Kong was happy with his performance and thankful for his teammate by saying in the post-game press conference, "Today was just one of those days where the ball just felt it was coming to me whenever I was open. When I hustled for it, the ball fell in my lap. I want to thank my teammates again because if it wasn't for my teammates, I wouldn't have been able to hit those shots I made."
Jalon Andrews led Kentucky with 11 rebounds, nine coming from defensive boards. That was his message in preparation for Tuskegee as he said, "We have to keep our defensive intensity and keep it there. It's another level for it. We got to survive and advance, it's another level for it(defense). We want to keep winning. The defense has to win a championship." Andrews added another double-double of 11 points and ten rebounds.
"I'm happy with the win Today. That's what tournament play is all about, whether it is by one or twenty. We played with great energy our guys came together. We were moving the ball, got a lot of open shots, and we followed our defensive plan. Our guys did well." Head Coach
Jamaal Jackson said during the post-game press conference.
How It Happened
The Golden Rams went 3-of-4 from the field to take a 12-10 lead at 14:49 in the first half.
Brandon Hill scored on a fast break layup giving the Thorobreds a 17-16 lead with 9:45 remaining in the first half.
A layup by
Shamon Mosley led to an 11-2 run by Kentucky State at 9:15 in the first half.
Five points from Kong led to a 7-0 run and a 35-27 lead with 32 seconds left in the first half.
Kong hit a long-range jumper to give the Thorobreds an 11-point 44-33 lead at 16:31 in the second half.
Albany State went on a 9-0 run to close on the 53-46 Kentucky State lead with 11:28 remaining in the second half.
Aziel Blackwell made both free throws to gain back an 11-point 57-46 lead at the ten-minute mark of the second half.
The Thorobreds went on a 15-3 run led by seven points from Kong to take a 21-point 74-53 lead with 4:32 remaining in the second half.
Mosley hit a three-pointer with just under a minute left to secure an 83-70 Kentucky State victory.
Up Next
Kentucky State will head to the quarter-finals, where they will play #1W Tuskegee on Wednesday, March 1, at 5 p.m.
