Jacksonville, Florida-Saturday afternoon's Edward Waters women's basketball contest against SIAC and I-95 rival Savannah State was the epitome of the phrase "It's not how you start, but how you finish." Trailing by as many as 27 points, Edward Waters owned the second half and rode the momentum of a raucous home crowd to bring an emphatic end to their eight game losing streak to win 70-69 at the Adams-Jenkins Complex.

The contest had the makings of another tough outing for Edward Waters (5-13, 3-8 SIAC) as their offensive output had difficulty getting started. Savannah State (11-4, 8-3 SIAC) started the first quarter leading 9-4 with 6:31 remaining, before EWU chopped the deficit down to two at 9-7 with 3:47 left.  Savannah State closed out the quarter leading 17-10 and pressed the issue even further in the second quarter. As quickly as EWU could blink, the SSU lead ballooned to as many as 27 points in the second, ultimately leading 43-19 at the half.

Edward Waters came out of the locker room a more focused and determined group, quickly getting to work in closing the gap. In the third quarter, the Lady Tigers came within 11 points of the lead, ultimately trailing 56-43 going into the frenetic fourth quarter. The Purple & Orange started the fourth on a 11-3 run over the first 6:27 of the quarter to cut the deficit to five at 59-54 with 3:36 remaining. A Jourdan Avery three pointer with 3:36 left would cut the deficit to two at 59-57, then on SSU's ensuing possession, Tatum Hayes stole the inbound pass and found Avery on a layup and a foul that would miraculously tie the contest at 59-59 with 3:31 left. Avery connected on the "and one" free throw, giving Edward Waters their first lead at 60-59. The remainder of the contest would go back-and-forth, but Edward Waters would outscore Savannah State 11-10 down the stretch to earn the one point home win.

EWU had four players in double figures in the contest, led by Avery who picked up her first double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 boards. Tatum Hayes finished with 13 points, followed by Kyana Johnson with a double-double effort of her own with 12 points and 15 boards. Sha'Kawanza Brown made her return to the Lady Tiger lineup with 11 points, five rebounds, and four steals.

Edward Waters hits the road to begin a two-game road trip starting on Monday, January 29th to battle Benedict in Columbia, South Carolina at 5:30pm.

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