TUSKEGEE, Ala. -- Using a depleted roster and playing in a tough road environment against a heated rival, Miles was able to snap a two-game skid with a tough 65-59 win over Tuskegee Saturday afternoon at Chappie James Arena. The Golden Bears (12-6, 9-2 SIAC West) had three double-digit scorers and erased an eight-point deficit with 10 minutes left to secure the victory.

Tuskegee (11-9, 11-5) led 52-44 midway through the second half but Miles' defense came to life, holding the Golden Tigers scoreless for the next five minutes. Jelani Watson-Gayle would lead the charge on offense, scoring six points during an 11-0 run that gave the Golden Bears a 55-52 lead with 5:26 remaining. Myles Thomas would hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 55, but Watson-Gayle would answer with his own triple that sparked a 7-0 spurt that give Miles the lead for good.

A LaByron Harris dunk with 1:15 remaining gave Miles what appeared to be an insurmountable 62-55 advantage. But the Golden Tigers had aspirations of pulling off another epic comeback as they did last season when they erased a nine-point deficit in less than a minute to steal a win. Miles would miss 3-of-4 free throws that allowed Tuskegee to cut the deficit to 62-59 with 23 seconds left. But the Golden Tigers were cold from the field to close the ballgame, missing seven of their last nine attempts over the final 10 minutes. 

Miles were without the services of Jeffrey Dockett (family reasons), Robert Jones (family reasons), Jose Roman-Angueria (injury) and Avery Brown (injury) for the entire game. Starting center Umar Frost was lost very early with an injury which would severely hamper the Golden Bears' depth. But Miles would lead by as many as seven in the first half and - despite falling behind - went into the half with a 35-32 lead.

Thomas had a game-high 23 points and Kaleb Morton added 14 for Tuskegee. Damian Archer (17 points, five rebounds, five assists), Harris (17 points, five rebounds, five blocks), and Watson-Gayle (14 points, game-high seven rebounds) led the charge for Miles, which hosts Spring Hill on Monday. Tip-off si scheduled for 7:30 p.m.