Jan. 28, 2006

Final Stats

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Richard Lott scored a career-high 17 points and eight other players scored at least four points as Alabama State overcame a 12-point, first half deficit to post a 72-66 win over Texas Southern Saturday night at the Joe L. Reed Acadome.

After losing their first four Southwestern Athletic Conference contests, the Hornets (5-14, 3-5) have won three of their last four and moved a game clear of the Tigers (4-16, 2-6) for eighth in the league standings.

TSU used a 10-0 run over a four-minute span in the first half to take early command. A Sean Walker free throw gave the Tigers a 24-12 lead -- the biggest of the game -- with 8:18 left in the first half. But the Hornets used a 14-3 spurt over the next four minutes to get back to within one before setlling for a 36-34 halftime deficit.

Alabama State fell behind by seven early in the second half but grabbed a 47-46 lead -- its first of the game since the 16-minute mark of the first half -- on two Herbert Warren free throws and the game stayed tight the rest of the way.

The Tigers led 62-61 with 3:45 remaining but a jumper by Dustin Richmond -- making his first start of the season -- on the Hornets next possession put ASU on top for good. Akeim Claborn, who came into the game as the team's leading scorer at almost 16 points per game, finished with only nine points but scored Bama State's final seven points to secure the victory.

Four players scored in double figures for TSU, led by Jacques Jones' 13 points and 12 points and 10 rebounds by Walker.