Jan. 30, 2007

Final Stats

Houston, Texas - It was a big spot for the Hornets. They were on the road, in danger of falling out of the SWAC race and facing the top team in the SWAC. They needed someone, anyone, to setp up and make a statement.

In the best overall performance of his career, Richard Lott poured in 19 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as Alabama State pounded Texas Southern 78-61.

A jump shot by Andrew Hayles opened the scoring and the Hornets would never trail.

While the Tigers didn't roll over, ASU simply wouldn't be denied. After a nip and tuck first 10 minutes, emerging bench star Deshawn hit back-to-back 3-pointers to push the lead to 14.

Texas Southern, who'd won 7 of their first 9 conference games, fought back to within seven at halftime.

But for Alabama State the stakes were too high. They were three games behind TSU in the standings. If they wanted any shot at the SWAC regular season crown, this was a game they had to win.

The Hornets quickly pushed the lead back to double figures, and with four minutes to go Andrew Hayles hit three free thrown to give ASU a 23-point cushion, their largest of the game and the season.

Hayles and Dustin Richmond each scored 15. Deshawn Porchea had 11 and Joel Bosh added 9 points and 9 rebounds.

For Texas Southern (10-10, 7-3 SWAC), Chris Moore led the Tigers with 15 points. Sollie Norwood added 14.

Alabama State (6-14, 4-5 SWAC) begins the second half of the conference season with a home game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tip off is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Joe L. Reed Acadome.