COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senior Night inside Adams Gymnasium delivered everything the moment promised: emotion, intensity, and a fight that lasted until the final horn. Allen University's men's basketball team pushed Savannah State to the brink Monday night but ultimately dropped a tight 67–65 decision in a game defined by toughness, resilience, and late-game drama.

Savannah State opened with efficient shooting, but Allen matched the Tigers' pace possession for possession. The contest featured three ties and three lead changes, reflecting how evenly matched both sides were throughout the night. Despite being outrebounded 45–26, the Yellow Jackets refused to let the game slip away, relying on defensive pressure, perimeter shooting, and timely free throws to stay within striking distance.

Senior guard Ashton Henderson, honored pregame, delivered a strong closing performance with 13 points, showing poise and leadership when his team needed it most. Shadale Knight led Allen with 18 points, adding three steals and clutch free throws down the stretch, while Tavarus Bell added 13 points and controlled key possessions as the Yellow Jackets mounted their late push.

Allen shot nine three-pointers and connected on nearly 77 percent of its free throws, repeatedly answering Savannah State runs and keeping the crowd energized deep into the second half. Even when trailing late, the Yellow Jackets executed with urgency and composure, embodying the identity Head Coach Doug Whittler has instilled all season — a team that competes relentlessly regardless of circumstance.

Though the result didn't fall in their favor, the performance reflected the program's foundation: toughness, belief, and fight. With a roster tested by adversity all year, Allen once again proved that under Whittler's leadership, the Yellow Jackets will battle to the very end — and that spirit continues to define the standard moving forward.