Turnovers played a huge role as the Tigers of Savannah State (3-9) defeated the Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats (5-5). The game came down to the very end as SSU's Crissa Jackson hit 2 free throws with 3.4 seconds remaining to lift the Lady Tigers to a 58-57 win over B-CU. The Lady Wildcats missed a desperation three-pointer from 30 feet away at the buzzer.

Although the Lady Wildcats played strong on the boards, turnovers ultimately caused large deficits that B-CU had to overcome. B-CU outrebounded SSU by 14, and outscored the Lady Tigers by 8 in the paint. However, the Lady Wildcats had 26 turnovers and SSU took advantage of that, scoring 25 points off turnovers.

It was a battle from start to finish, with 13 ties and 11 lead changes. In the first half, the score remained close until SSU started to break out with 6:20 on the clock. Within a minute, the Lady Tigers had grown their lead to nine points. However, the Lady Wildcats fought back and rallied to make the deficit four points, going into halftime down 31-27 at half.

As the second half began, the battle resumed, with B-CU tying the score five minutes into the half. The Lady Wildcats never gained the upper hand, but forced late game ties and took the lead several times. While leading by one with only 3.4 seconds on the clock, a costly foul put SSU's Crissa Jackson on the free throw line and she sealed the game, hitting both shots to lock in a 58-57 loss for the Lady Wildcats.

Sarah Bolden and Demetria Frank led Bethune-Cookman in scoring, finishing the night with 16 points. Jalisa Isaac also finished in double-figures, tallying 15 points. Bolden finished with another double-double, leading the team in rebounds with 11. Frank and Euneshia Proctor also chipped in on the boards, both snagging 7 each.

The Lady Wildcats get another crack at the Lady Tigers. Up next is a home game against Savannah State on Monday, Jan. 5, 7 p.m. at Moore Gymnasium.