Feb. 27, 2006

Final Stats

PRAIRIE VIEW, Tex. - It's easy to look at Prairie View A&M's 1-14 record in Southwestern Athletic Conference play and a roster that has only eight active players and figure Alabama State would get an easy win Monday night.

The Panthers, though, didn't go away quietly. They whittled away a double-digit halftime deficit, took the lead with six minutes to go and never looked back in a 75-72 upset of ASU at the William Nicks Building.

"We weren't executing," head coach Lewis Jackson said. "We were just standing around and they were the aggressive team. Their guards outworked us and outhustled us to loose balls."

Alabama State (11-16, 9-7) lost for the second straight game after seven consecutive victories. It also disrupts the Hornets' run for the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SWAC tournament, needing wins in its last two games to still have a chance.

"We're playing for seeding in the tournament and every game is a must-win," Jackson said.

The Hornets had one of their best halves shooting the ball this season during the first 20 minutes, making 53 percent of their attempts from the floor. Hayles made a big contribution, going 5-of-8 and scoring 11 points as ASU took a 37-25 lead into the locker room.

After the Panthers cut the ASU lead to four early in the second half, Hayles drained 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to push the advantage back into double figures.

Turnovers - the Hornets made half of their 24 in the final 20 minutes - hurt Alabama State the entire second half. But ASU still had the final possession with a chance to tie. But Richard Lott's 3-pointer from the corner didn't fall, giving Prairie View the victory.

Andrew Hayles led the Hornets with 17 points and LaMarquis Blake scored 11 off the bench.