Jan. 21, 2006

Final Stats

ALCORN STATE, Miss. - Alabama State got big contributions from Akeim Claborn and Andrew Hayles as the Hornets took a big second half lead, then held on late in a 75-70 win over Alcorn State at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

The win was the second straight for the Hornets (4-13, 2-4), the first time this season ASU has posted back-to-back victories.

Alcorn State lead 43-36 at halftime but the Hornets used two big runs in the second half to seize control of the game. A 10-0 spurt that took four minutes early in the period gave ASU its first lead since midway through the first half. Then, after the Braves had retaken a two-point advantage, Bama State scored 14 straight points in less than four minutes to post a 66-54 lead -- the game's largest -- with 7:14 remaining.

Still, Alcorn State continued to fight. The Braves whittled away at the deficit, getting as close as 68-67 with 1:13 remaining.

But Claborn, who scored a game-high 27 points, got offensive rebounds and putbacks on the Hornets' next two possessions to give the team breathing space. Hayles, who scored a career-high 17 points, knocked down two free throws with two seconds remaining for the final margin.

The Hornets travel to Baton Rouge to battle Southern on Monday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the game being televised on ESPNU.