Miles used a dominant second quarter to take the lead, then staved off a late comeback attempt in a 54-48 win over Tuskegee Saturday at Knox-Windham Gymnasium. Victoria Sutton scored a team-high 14 points as every played who stepped on the court scored for the Lady Bears (14-8, 8-7).

The Golden Tigerettes (16-6, 11-3) came into the game knowing a victory would earn the Western Division crown and earn them the top seed for the SIAC Tournament. After scoring the first seven points of the game and holding a 14-4 lead early in the second quarter, it looked as if they would reach their goal.

But the Lady Bears went on a 16-2 run over the next six minutes to take a lead it would not relinquish. A 3-pointer right by Sutton before the horn gave Miles a 28-21 lead at the half. That lead would balloon to 16 points late in the third quarter on a steal and layup by Sakina Wynn. A jumper by Amya Bryant with a second remaining in the period sent the Lady Bears into the fourth quarter with a 46-33 advantage.

But Tuskegee came barreling back in the fourth. Using a 15-3 run, the Golden Tigerettes cut the Miles lead to 49-48 with 1:20 remaining. After both teams traded turnovers, it was Najla Shamsid-Deen who hit an off-balanced shot off the glass to push the lead back to three points. On the ensuing possession, Raiana Johnson took a charge as India Blakely (10 points) drove the basket. Tuskegee would not have another possession with a chance to tie for the remainder of the contest.

Alexis Carter had 19 points, six rebounds and four blocks for Tuskegee. Jasmine Hollis (nine points, four rebounds, three assists), Sakina Wynn (eight points, six rebounds, three steals), and Mya Millner (seven points, four rebounds) each played well for Miles, which hosts Clark Atlanta in a non-conference tilt on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.