Dec. 29, 2006

Final Stats

Dec. 29, 2006

Chattanooga, TN-Entering the second half of their first round game of the Dr. Pepper Classic, the Alabama State Hornets had the Colorado State Rams right where they wanted them. However, spotty free throw shooting and a few ill-advised shots by young players conspired to sink the Hornets hopes as they fell to CSU 61-56.

Behind the red hot shooting of Andrew Hayles, ASU led at the 31-28 at the half, despite being out shot 55% to 39%. The Hornets' held CSU's preseason All-American Jason Smith scoreless, but his fellow seven-footer Stuart Creason made up with 14 points and six rebounds to keep the Rams close. Still, ASU had actually out rebounded their much bigger opponent by a 15-12 margin.

The second half was an entirely different story.

After Hayles hit a deep three point shot with 14:34 remaining, ASU led 38-36. That would be their final lead of the game. The Hornets didn't score for the next four minutes as CSU ran off 13 consecutive to seize a 49-38 advantage.

ASU refused to quit and scratched back within two with 3:30 remaining. But two Corey Lewis jump shots and a layup by Creason put the game out of reach.

Hayles finished with 21 points to lead ASU. Dustin Richmond added 10 points and five rebounds.

For CSU, Creason finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hornets will face the loser of the Kennesaw State/Tennessee Chattanooga game Saturday evening at 6 p.m. ASU then returns home for their SWAC opener on Tuesday as they host Jackson State.