SAVANNAH, Ga.- A valiant comeback effort came up short as Bethune-Cookman dropped a road Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference decision, 79-70, at Savannah State Monday night at the Tiger Arena.
 
BCU (12-14, 7-5) cut a 15-point second half deficit down to just six points, 76-70, with 46 seconds remaining. However, poor three-point shooting in the latter period doomed the visitors as BCU went just 1-16 from three. 
 
The Wildcats trimmed the deficit to seven or less three different times within the final 3:14, but as was the case in the first half, each time the 'Cats gained some momentum, the Tigers squashed it with a run of their own.
 
SSU (9-16, 6-5) was paced by Jaquan Dotson's 23 points and 10 rebounds. 
 
BCU had four in double-figures with 13 apiece by Cletrell Pope and Dondre Duffus. Malik Maitland dropped 10 and Wali Parks set a season-best with 12. Shawntrez Davis recorded a team-high 10 rebounds and nine points. 
 
The first half saw six lead changes and three ties, as well as 77 total possessions. Maitland led the team in scoring with 10 and tied for the team-high with four rebounds. 
 
BCU plays just once next weekend. The Wildcats face rival Florida A&M on the road Saturday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m.
 
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