News Summary
The Savannah State Tigers are gearing up for an NCAA Division II Tournament matchup against the Nova Southeastern Sharks. With an impressive eight-game winning streak, the Tigers aim to leverage their strong defensive play and recent championship success to clinch a win. This marks their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance, and fans are eagerly anticipating whether they can turn the tide against a formidable opponent known for its high-scoring offense.
Excitement Builds in Savannah as Tigers Gear Up for NCAA Tournament
Savannah, Georgia – The atmosphere is electric in the city as the Savannah State Tigers prepare to take on the formidable Nova Southeastern Sharks in the NCAA Division II Tournament. The much-anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. at the Rick Case Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Tigers’ Journey to the Tournament
Entering the tournament as the No. 8 seed, the Tigers have battled through a challenging season, ending with a solid record of 18 wins and 11 losses. The team is on an impressive eight-game winning streak, marking their longest stretch of success since the 2017-18 season. This feat was highlighted by their remarkable performance in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament, where they clinched the championship title.
Throughout the SIAC Tournament, Savannah State exhibited sheer determination. They defeated not just one, but four teams including Spring Hill, Miles, Central State, and even Tuskegee to earn their spot in the NCAA Tournament. This marks the Tigers’ fifth appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and they are aiming to replicate their success from the late 1970s and early 1980s when they captured a regional title back in 1981.
Looking Back at Previous Encounters
Fans might remember the last face-off between Savannah State and Nova Southeastern during the 2022 NCAA South Regional, where the Sharks emerged victorious with a commanding score of 113-63. The Tigers will be hungry to turn the tide this time around, especially with star player Ayjay Plain leading the charge. In that last encounter, Plain managed to score 13 points, showcasing his potential and determination.
Defensive Prowess and Key Players
Defensively, Savannah State stands out on the national stage, allowing an impressive 62.3 points per game, ranking them third in all of Division II. Additionally, the Tigers force an average of 18.41 turnovers per game, placing them 12th in the nation. This defensive tenacity will be crucial as they face off against Nova Southeastern, known for their high-scoring offense.
Leading the Tigers’ scoring efforts is Ayjay Plain, who showcases an average of 12.9 points per game and has recently snagged a spot on the BOXTOROW HBCU Division II Second Team All-American list. Following closely is Qua King, the SIAC Tournament MVP, contributing 12.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Other key contributors to the Tigers’ success include Jeremiah Barze with 10.3 points per game and Javonte Landy with 9.8 points.
Tigers’ Connection to Florida
Nova Southeastern’s Dominance
Nova Southeastern enters the tournament as the top seed with an impressive record of 30 wins and just one loss. They claim the title of the highest-scoring team in Division II, averaging a remarkable 105.2 points per game. However, their defense hasn’t been bulletproof, allowing an average of 80.5 points per game. With standout players like MJ Iraldi and Ryker Cisarik, who average 24.1 and 18.3 points respectively, the Sharks are no easy opponents. Adding to their fearsome reputation is their astonishing NCAA Division II record of an 81-game home winning streak.
What’s at Stake?
For Savannah State, this matchup is more than just a game; it’s a chance to showcase their growth and resilience after a rocky start this season that saw them at a 5-6 record. The turnaround has been remarkable, and now they stand poised to make their mark on the national stage once more.
As the clock counts down to tip-off, fans and players alike in Savannah are buzzing with anticipation. Will the Tigers pull off a stunning upset against the Sharks? Only time will tell, but for now, the community’s spirit is united as they cheer on their beloved Tigers.
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Additional Resources
- Nova Southeastern Sharks Official Site
- WJCL
- WTOC
- Savannah Now
- Google Search: Savannah State Tigers basketball
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
