COLUMBIA, S.C. --- The Allen University men's basketball team fought to the final seconds in Monday's SIAC contest against Edward Waters, but ultimately fell in a closely contested game, 61-56. 

The Yellow Jackets faced an early 12-4 deficit within the first seven minutes of the game, however three-point shots from Akhwari Smith and Peyton Weathersby, plus an explosive dunk from Weathersby brought Allen back into the game and tied it at 12-12 with 10:08 to play in the first half. Over the remaining minutes before halftime, neither team was able to pull away from the other as the AME rivals never built a separation between them larger than five points. At the break, Edward Waters led 28-25. The second half saw much of the same low-scoring defensive battles that the first half did, with the game remaining tied, 51-51, with 4:19 to go. Fast forward to the two-minute mark, and it was Weathersby once again hitting a three-pointer to push Allen ahead, 54-53. Edward Waters responded by scoring eight of the game's final 10 points, including sinking six free-throws to secure the win. 

After starting 0-for-3 from the floor Monday, Weathersby finished Monday's game by making eight of his next nine shots, including a career-high six three-pointers. The junior guard led the Yellow Jackets with 22 points, and he also grabbed seven rebounds. Joining Weathersby in double figures was Smith with a season-high of 10 points. 

Allen will be back in action on Saturday, February 1 to host Benedict in the "Battle for Taylor Street". Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium.