Augusta, GA — November 15, 2025 — Voorhees University led for more than 30 minutes and held a 12-point halftime advantage, but a furious second-half rally by Paine College sent the Tigers to a heartbreaking 60–58 defeat on Saturday afternoon.

Voorhees (58 points on 36.7% shooting) controlled the opening half behind the explosive scoring of Omari Bryson, who poured in 16 first-half points and finished with a team-high 21. The Tigers hit four threes before the break and dominated the glass 18–14, storming to a 34–22 halftime lead.

But momentum flipped quickly in the second half. Paine College, which shot just 22.6% before halftime, found new life behind star guard Kole Taylor. Taylor put together one of the game's defining performances, scoring 25 second-half points and 31 total, knocking down five threes and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the line.

Voorhees continued to fight, led by the hard drives of Xavier Finney (16 points, including 10 after halftime) and the interior play of Gabriel Wright (6 points, 4 rebounds, strong defensive presence). The Tigers still held a narrow lead entering the final four minutes. But Paine capitalized on a handful of late turnovers and foul shots, tying the game at 57 before Taylor delivered the go-ahead layup and free throw with just :22 remaining.

Finney split a pair of free throws on the next possession, cutting the deficit to one, but Voorhees couldn't convert on its final offensive trip following a timeout with ten seconds left. Paine's defense held firm as the clock expired.

Though the loss stings, Voorhees showed flashes of dominance—winning the rebounding battle 32–27, scoring more points in the paint, and building their largest lead at 18:53 of the second half. But Paine's late surge and a 38-point second-half outburst proved just enough to steal the win. 

Voorhees drops a competitive matchup but returns home with key takeaways and continued promise from its young core. With Bryson's scoring touch, Finney's aggressiveness, and Wright's all-around play, the Tigers will look to regroup and turn today's lessons into tomorrow's victories. The Tigers now hit the road again as they prepare to face Middle Georgia State on Monday, November 17th.

About Voorhees University:  Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org)