Courtesy: Alabama State Athletics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Tobi Ewusoho led four Alabama State players in double figures and the Hornets knocked down key free throws down the stretch to pick up a 65-56 road victory in-state rival Alabama A&M in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play at Bill Harris Arena Saturday night.
Ewuosho finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists to lead Alabama State (3-15, 2-3 SWAC); while Leon Daniels and Brandon Battle each added 13 points. Decardo Day finished with a season-high 11 points and six rebounds for the Hornets in the win.
In a game of runs, Alabama State had the last one and used free throws during the run to put the game away. After the two teams traded baskets for much of the second half, DJ Heath found Day on the right side of the zone who knocked down a three to put the Hornets up 56-50 before Alabama A&M pulled to within three as the shot clock went off on a three-pointer with 3:30 remaining.
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However, the Hornets outscored Alabama A&M 9-3 down the stretch to pull away for the win. Ewuosho extended the lead to 60-53 with a short jumper with just 33 seconds remaining as both teams went nearly three minutes down the stretch without a point. From there, Daniels knocked down four consecutive free throws and Brandon Battle added one for the final margin.
The Hornets finished the day shooting 43.6 (24-of-55) percent from the field and 27.8 (5-of-18) percent from beyond the arc, while connecting on 63.2 (12-of-19) percent from the free throw line. They recorded 15 assists on their 24 made field goals and forced 14 Alabama A&M turnovers.
Cameron Alford led Alabama A&M (5-11, 2-3 SWAC) with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Evan Wiley added 11. The Bulldogs finished the night shooting 44.4 (25-of-44) percent from the floor and just 14.3 (2-of-14) percent from beyond the arc.
Alabama State returns to action next Saturday on the road against Southern, before facing Alcorn State Monday night.