Jan. 14, 2007

Final Stats

Huntsville, Ala. - Alabama State dug themselves out of 19 point second half hole only to sabotage their own comeback with poor free throw shooting and ball handling as they lost at Alabama A & M 61-55 Saturday evening.

"Terrible," said ASU head coach Lewis Jackson. "We spent so much effort working our way back into the game only to miss six free throws, and three of those were front ends of one-and-ones."

A & M came into the game 0-4 in SWAC, desperately in need of a win. Things couldn't have started better for the Bulldogs as they jumped out to a quick lead, energizing their home fans. To make things worse for ASU, senior point guard Dustin Richmond took a hard fall on the first possession. Although he didn't immediately leave the game, he was hampered for the remainder of the game.

A & M took full advantage, forcing the Hornets into 17 first half turnovers and 25% shooting. The only thing keeping ASU in the game was the Bulldog's 1-10 three point shooting. Still, Vann Pettaway's squad was able to take a 29-18 lead into halftime.

The Bulldogs came out of the lockerroom seemingly even fresher than they began the game, beating every ASU to every loose ball. Things hit rock bottom for the Hornets when Trant Simpson's jump shot put A & M up by 19 with 14:03 remaining.

ASU began to chip away at the lead, as Jackson ordered a full court press. Simpson hit another shot with 7:20 to temporarily stem the tide, but that would be the Bulldogs' last field goal of the game.

The Hornets would get as close as five but A & M hit 8 of their last 10 free throws to put the game away.

Miguel Morton scored 12 points to lead ASU. Andrew Hayles, Richard Lott and Deshawn Porchea each scored 10.

Simpson pumped in 18 to pace A & M (6-10, 1-4 SWAC). Center Mickell Gladness added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.

ASU (4-12, 2-3 SWAC) returns to action Saturday afternoon when they host Southern for ASU connection day at 3 p.m.