ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Nov. 2, 2026) — South Carolina State opened the 2026-27 men's basketball season in impressive fashion Monday, using a balanced offensive attack, relentless defensive pressure and a commanding advantage inside to cruise past Morris College 94-55 at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
The Bulldogs (1-0), under head coach
Erik Martin, showcased their depth with 12 players scoring, including three in double figures, while forcing 29 turnovers and dominating the rebounding battle 43-24.
Christian Barnes led SC State with a game-high 12 points, connecting on 4 of 6 attempts from beyond the arc.
Jayden Pretty added 10 points and seven rebounds, while
Teon Tindal and Deshaun Jackson Jr. contributed nine points apiece.
SC State overcame an early 9-5 deficit before taking control behind aggressive defense and efficient scoring in the paint. A 3-pointer by
Treven Raymon gave the Bulldogs a 10-9 advantage with 13:05 remaining in the opening half, and SC State never trailed again.
The Bulldogs continued to build momentum, extending their advantage to double figures before closing the first half with a commanding 49-28 lead.
SC State maintained its intensity after intermission, outscoring Morris 45-27 in the second half. The Bulldogs built their largest lead of 41 points late in the contest before securing the 39-point victory.
The Bulldogs finished with 56 points in the paint, 40 points off turnovers and 30 second-chance points. SC State's reserves provided a major spark, outscoring the Morris bench 57-34.
Defensively, SC State recorded 16 steals and six blocked shots. Andre Ngomabie anchored the interior defense with six blocks, while Jackson Jr.,
Mitchell Taylor,
Braylon Jackson and Clayton Everett Jr. each contributed to the Bulldogs' defensive pressure.
Jackson Jr. also dished out a team-high six assists, while Christopher Parker collected a team-best nine rebounds.
Morris (0-1) was led by Demetrius Brown with 12 points, while Jayden Hosien added nine.
The Bulldogs shot 45% from the field (36 of 80) and held Morris to 41.2% shooting (21 of 51).
Bulldog Game Highlights
- Final score: SC State 94, Morris 55.
- Top scorer: Christian Barnes, 12 points, four 3-pointers.
- Double figures: Barnes (12) and Jayden Pretty (10).
- Balanced scoring: 12 Bulldogs scored in the victory.
- Rebounding: SC State dominated 43-24, led by Christopher Parker with nine.
- Defensive pressure: 16 steals, six blocks and 29 Morris turnovers.
- Inside dominance: 56 points in the paint.
- Bench production: 57 points from SC State reserves.
- Second-chance scoring: 30 points off 22 offensive rebounds.
- Halftime advantage: SC State led 49-28.
- Largest lead: 41 points.
- Season record: SC State improves to 1-0.
UP NEXT: South Carolina State continues its nonconference schedule with a road matchup against USC Upstate.
