Huntsville, Alabama-A dominant second half effort was just the medicine needed for Edward Waters to clinch their first victory of the 2023-24 season. The Tigers rolled to a 74-55 victory over former Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rival Fisk University in the first game of the Bill Penney Crossover Classic hosted by the University of Alabama at Huntsville on Friday evening at Spraggins Hall.

Edward Waters (1-2, 0-0 SIAC) trailed by as many as seven points with 4:56 remaining in the first half of play. But a key 10-5 run down the stretch, cut the deficit to two at 37-35 going into the locker room at halftime. The second half was owned by the Purple & Orange as the Tigers started the half on a 16-2 run to dart out to a 51-39 lead over Fisk (0-3) with 12:43 left in the game. From there, Edward Waters saw their lead swell to as many as the final 19 point margin of victory, putting the Tigers in the win column and giving head coach Cabral Huff his first victory as EWU head coach.

After shooting just 39% from the floor in the second half, Edward Waters rallied in the second half, shooting 50% from the floor. The Tigers for the game were 44% from the floor on 26-of-59 shooting. Their opponents were 21-of-59 (35%) in the contest. Edward Waters also turned up the defensive pressure in the contest, forcing 21 Bulldog turnovers that resulted in 21 points. 

Goliath Mitchell tied for the game high with 24 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Kristian Ford had a season high 16 points off the Tiger bench, followed by R. J. Noord with 14 points and seven boards, and Cahlib Edwards with 10 points and three rebounds.

The Tigers will wrap up Classic play on Saturday afternoon in their first ever meeting with Young Harris College of the Peach Belt Conference. Tip-off is set for 4:00pm.

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