Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Voorhees University used efficient shooting and a balanced scoring effort to pull away from Rust (Miss.) for a 75-62 victory in a neutral-site matchup for a HBCU Athletic Conference Tournament game Wednesday afternoon.

The Tigers seized control late in the first half and never relinquished it, turning a 24-21 deficit into a 38-32 halftime lead and then methodically extending the margin after the break. Voorhees shot 52.6 percent from the field (30-for-57) and 44.4 percent from 3-point range (8-for-18), using its offensive rhythm and interior presence to offset a hot perimeter shooting night from Rust, which finished with eight made 3-pointers.

Darius Elkins led Voorhees with 14 points in 23 minutes, going 4-for-9 from the floor and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line while knocking down two 3-pointers. Jermarquis Johnson added 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including 2-for-3 from deep, and handed out three assists while collecting two steals to spark the Tigers on both ends. Voorhees shared the ball well as a group, totaling 15 assists on 30 made field goals and getting key contributions from its bench to outscore Rust's reserves.

Rust opened the game with confidence from the perimeter. Tadarius Jacobs drilled an early 3-pointer at the 17:19 mark of the first half to give Rust a 7-5 edge, and the Mississippi program later pushed in front 24-21 on a 3-pointer from Shaun Holmes with 6:45 remaining before halftime. From there, however, Voorhees tightened its defense and closed the half on a 17-8 surge, capped by a late free throw from Tim Smith with seven seconds left to send the Tigers into the locker room up 38-32.

Voorhees maintained that momentum after halftime, continuing to score efficiently inside and off ball movement while limiting Rust to 36.8 percent shooting from the field (21-for-57). The Tigers also controlled the glass with a 36-35 rebounding edge and turned their length into rim protection, finishing with eight steals and seven blocks while holding Rust to 30 points after the break. A layup by Jaheim Hall with 5:14 remaining stretched the margin and helped keep Voorhees comfortably in front down the stretch.

Rust made one final push when Jacobs connected on his fourth 3-pointer of the day at the 1:48 mark to trim the deficit to 69-62, but Voorhees closed the game out at both ends. The Tigers got late stops, limited second-chance opportunities and converted enough possessions to restore a double-digit cushion before the final horn, outscoring Rust 37-30 in the second half.

Jacobs finished with a game-high 17 points for Rust on 6-for-15 shooting, including 4-for-9 from 3-point range, and added four rebounds. Chaunterion Ward contributed 14 points, three assists and two steals, while Holmes chipped in 11 points, five rebounds and two 3-pointers. Rust went 8-for-24 from beyond the arc and 12-for-18 at the foul line, but its 16 turnovers and struggles inside the arc proved costly against a more efficient Voorhees attack.

With the victory, Voorhees complemented its hot shooting with disciplined half-court defense and balanced scoring, showing a formula that can translate as the Tigers continue To tackle opponents in the HBCUAC Tournament.

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)