JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Allen University men's basketball team rallied in the second half but ultimately fell short 76-70 on the road at SIAC foe Edward Waters University on Wednesday night.

After Allen led 6-2 early, EWU would then go on a 25-4 run to take a 27-10 lead with 8 minutes to play in the half. AU would then close to within six points going on an 18-7 run with 1:30 to play, but EWU would end up taking a 39-28 lead into the break.

In the second hlf, Allen would start fast going on a 17-5 run over the first six minutes of the half to take their first lead at 45-44 with 14 minutes to play. EWU would then rally back and go on a 14-6 run to take a 58-51 lead with 7 minutes to play. AU would then climb to within one point of the Tigers at 62-61 with 2:45 to play on an Anthony Baker Jr. jumper.
However, EWU would close the game out on the free-throw line as they ended the game on a final 14-9 run for the victory. Edward Waters was able to take round one of the hardwood rivalry between the two African Methodist Episcopal (AME) affiliated institutions on Wednesday night.

Sophomore guard Chase Cook led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points, a season-high 7 assists and 6 rebounds on 7 of 13 shooting.  Senior wing Cameron Sembly also played well off the bench scoring 16 points with 4 boards, 3 assists and a steal while Baker finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds and a block.

Senior forward Reggie Reynolds also led the team with nine rebounds and three steals along with 3 assists while freshman forward Nakia Johnson and guard Julian Smith combined for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Junior forward Mohamed Alkadi also recorded 5 points, 4 rebounds and an assist.

Allen falls to 2-17 overall and 2-12 in the SIAC while EWU improves to 4-14 and 3-10 in the conference.
The Blue & Gold will now host the second leg of the home-and-home series with EWU on Saturday afternoon in Columbia with tip-off from John Hurst Adams Gymnasium slated for 4:00 pm.