TUSKEGEE, Ala. (September 29, 2018) - It was a defensive battle for most of the first half, both teams unable to produce on offense. In the end, Tuskegee University made a few extra plays and Lane College's comeback fell short for a second straight season as the Golden Tigers picked up their conference home opener over the Dragons, 17-8 Saturday afternoon.

The defense held Tuskegee to 1-for-9 on third downs, 120 yards rushing and 116 yards in the air. Defensive End Brayce Mckinzie led the Dragons with 12 total tackles, six solo and six assisted.

With Lane College trailing 17-0, fullback Justin Hill punched it in from nine yards out to put the Dragons on the board with 5:49 left to play. Senior quarterback Marcus Reynolds then connected with wide receiver Quantavious Wilson to complete the two-point conversion to cut the lead to nine points.

The Dragons defense stepped up again, forcing Tuskegee into a three-and-out that only took up 1:40 off the clock. The Lane College offense then drove all the way down to the Golden Tiger 11-yard line thanks to a 4-and-5 conversion when Reynolds connected with Ahmad Isaac who muscled and spun his way forward for the first down.

But Tuskegee was able to strip the ball free and recover the fumble on the next play to kill any attempts at a comeback, taking over on offense with 67 seconds left to play.

The Dragons continue their road swing next week when they travel all the way to Virginia to take on Division-I opponent Hampton University.

Kick off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.