ATLANTA — Following a narrow 64-62 defeat against Morehouse College, the Savannah State men’s basketball team intends to lodge an official protest with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The contentious incident occurred during Saturday’s game at Forbes Arena.

The controversy unfolded after the media timeout with just under 12 minutes left in the first half. At that point, Savannah State was trailing Morehouse 18-15. As play resumed, Morehouse committed a turnover, allowing Michael Swift to score a layup for Savannah State.

This should have adjusted the score to 18-17 with 10:38 left in the first half. However, the scoreboard remained at 18-15. When Swift successfully made his free throw, the score was expected to be tied at 18, but the display incorrectly showed 18-16.

“They had no explanation for us,” stated head coach Clevan Thompson. “All they said was that the table had it right, despite the table having done a poor job throughout the night.”

Given the two-point margin by which the game was decided, Thompson believes there is a legitimate basis for filing a protest.

“I will,” Thompson said. “Because again, I’m one of those coaches I usually take it on the chin and we keep moving. But tonight was horrible and I have to do something about it because at end of the day, I’ll push my guys to do the best and they did what they should tonight. The other party should not be a part of the why.

“We don’t know whether or not we got beat or whatever because again there are some other elements that played a part in the game tonight. The officiating was horrible. The table was horrible. And again, for me, I’m a coach and I like for young people to settle the duel on the floor and not let third party things be a part of why we win or lose either way. I felt like tonight that was a part of their why. And again, you know, it is what it is. We’re not at home.”

There was another questionable play in the game in the first half. During the game, Swift made contact with Morehouse basketball coach Larry Dixon. When contact was made, the nearest official awarded the ball to Morehouse, implying Swift stepped out of bounds.

A video review shows Dixon’s right foot on the out-of-bounds line when contact was made. Swift’s foot was also on the line. Coaches are not allowed inside the out-of-bounds line during play. Contact between a coach and player results in a technical foul on the coach.

Savannah State had won four of five contests ahead of the Morehouse game. This game is significant because of the impact on the conference standings. At the moment, Morehouse jumped ahead of Savannah State for third place in the SIAC East.

Savannah State will look for its first win of 2026 on Jan. 8. They face Fort Valley State at Tiger Arena at 7:30 p.m.