The Alcorn State University Braves (10-9, 6-2) had to come out big after a successful earlier game from the Lady Braves on Monday, January 27th at 7:00 pm. The Braves tied their shoes and tucked in their jerseys and came out ready for the Alabama State University Hornets (3-17, 2-5) at the Davey L. Whitney Complex in Lorman, Mississippi.
Alabama State started out great and relentless as they came out with great ball movement and good shots. They were patient and didn’t let Alcorn’s defensive pressure speed them up. The Hornets led 7-2 with 17:13 remaining on the clock. Alcorn began knocking down shots behind the 3 point line and easily closed the gap eventually going on a scoring run. The Braves pulled away in the first half leading 36-29 going into halftime.
Alabama State exhibited heart and fight as they knew the game was still possible to win. They came out in the second half with high defensive intensity and hot offensive hands. The Hornets’ fight eventually led them to take the lead 46-45 at the 13:54 mark. The tightness of the game kept spectators on their toes as the game went back and forth for the remainder of the half. Although Alabama State outscored Alcorn 31-27 in the second half, the Braves took the win as they defeated the Hornets 63-60.
Senior, Deshawn Andrews led the Braves with 17 points, followed by Senior, Corey Tillery with 15 points and Junior, Arne (AJ) Morris Jr. with 10 points. Leon Daniels came up big for Alabama State as he poured in and led with a whopping 25 points.
The Braves will be on the road to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, February 1st at 5:30 pm in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Mini Dome) looking to advance their record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) as they will compete against the Southern University Jaguars (8-13, 5-3).