TALLADEGA, Ala. (February 13, 2025) – In a nail-biting showdown, the Talladega College Tornadoes (18-8, 11-6) defeated the top-ranked Miles College Golden Bears (19-4, 15-1) by a score of 55-54 at the TC Student Activity Center on Wednesday night.

The victory solidifies Talladega's position as the second seed in the HBCUAC East, while Miles maintains its ranking as the number one team in the SIAC East Division.

Lamont Sams led the Tornadoes with an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and grabbing six rebounds. He shot 10-of-16 from the field and converted 4-of-5 free throws. Derek Burditt contributed with six points and five assists, while Wilfred Campbell added six points and six rebounds.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with the score tied six times and the lead changing hands three times. Talladega held a slight edge at halftime, leading 30-27, and managed to fend off a late surge from Miles in the second half.

Miles College made a strong push in the final minutes, but Talladega's defense held firm, and Campbell sealed the victory with a layup and a crucial free throw in the closing seconds.

The Tornadoes will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the Oakwood University Ambassadors on February 18. The game will take place at home, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.