COLUMBIA, SC --- Although tested by their opponent in the second half, Allen men's basketball was able to hold-off Albany State Monday, 63-58, to pick up their ninth win of the season and fifth in SIAC play. 

Despite trailing by a score of 5-0 through the first two minutes of the game, Allen responded with one of their best halves of play this season, outscoring the Golden Rams 37-14 over the final 18 minutes. In the first half, Allen forced Albany State to shoot 26.3% from the floor (5-19) including making just two of their 11 three-point attempts. 

"The first half tonight was some of our best defensive play of the season," said Head Coach Shawn Walker. 

Offensively in the first half, Peyton Weathersby led all scorers with eight points at the break, with Tyriq McAdoo adding six points and seven rebounds. 

However, in the second half, Albany State found their rhythm shooting 46.2% (12-26) en route to a 39-point showing. Although the Golden Rams drew as close as two points in the final minute of action, Allen never gave back their lead and were able to hold onto the five-point victory. 

McAdoo recorded his fifth double-double of the season behind a 12 points and 11 rebounds performance, both team-highs. Talton Jones made his second straight start and found himself in double figures with 11 points. Meanwhile, Malik Lacewell scored nine points in the victory including four free-throws in the final minute of the game. 

After back-to-back wins over Fort Valley State and Albany State, Allen focuses their attention on Saturday's 'Battle for Taylor Street' rivalry game at Benedict College set for 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27.