Fairfield, AL |The Golden Bears open the 2023-2024 campaign with a victory in their home opener over the Tornados of Talladega, 53-51.

On the day where the 2022-2023 SIAC Champions received their rings, the Tornados of Talladega tried to spoil the celebration.  The Tornados jumped out to an early lead against the Golden Bears going up by as many as 11 points midway through the 1st half and after shooting only 39.1% from the field the Golden Bears trailed 30-23 at the half.

In the second half, the Tornados would lead by as many as 13 points before the Golden Bears began to mount a comeback, The Golden Bears would go on a 12-0 run to tie the game at 48-48 with 2:53 remaining. The Tornados would go back up by three with late in the game but Alvin Miles would answer with a huge three to tie the score with less than a minute remaining.  On the Tornados next possession, Alvin Miles would block a potential go-ahead 3-point attempt to give the Golden Bears the ball with 21 seconds remaining.  With the clock ticking down, Alvin Miles would attack the basket and draw a foul with seven second left in the game and calmly knock down both free throws to secure the 53-51 victory for the Golden Bears.

The Golden Bears will be back in action Wednesday when they travel to Owensboro, KY to face the Panthers of Kentucky Wesleyan at 6:00 p.m.