SAVANNAH, G.A. --- In a closely contested SIAC matchup Monday, the Allen University men's basketball team was defeated at Savannah State, 68-63. 

Midway through the first half, with 9:33 on the game clock, Allen faced an 11 point deficit, 21-10. However to close the first half, the Yellow Jackets outscored the Tigers 23-15 to send the two conference foes into the locker rooms with Allen trailing by just three points, 36-33. Out of the break, the Yellow Jackets saw Demetri Patterson make a layup, and Jeremiah Francis sink a jumper, to push Allen in front by one, 37-36. SSU jumped back in front for the next five minutes until Mike Best drained a three pointer to put Allen ahead, 45-44 with 12:57 to play. The Tigers retook the lead with 9:32 remaining, and although their lead was never larger than five points for the remainder of the game, Allen was unable to overcome the Tigers' advantage before time expired. 

Jordan Edmond led the Yellow Jackets with 17 points, including eight from the free-throw line. Best added nine points in 19 minutes off-the-bench. 

Allen returns home to face Carolina Christian College in non-conference action on Thursday, February 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium.