Feb. 17, 2007

Final Stats

Baton Rouge, La. - Finally, momemtum.

After failing to capitalize on several opportunities to string together impressive performances, Alabama State played its best basketball of the season in blowing out Southern 71-58 in Baton Rouge Saturday night.

ASU has now won four of their last five and are beginning to climb into the top half of the SWAC standings.

The Hornets fell behind early, trailing 11-6 with at the 12:56 mark in the first half, the Hornets - behind tremendous defense and hot shooting - took total control of the game by outscoring the Jaguars 31-10 to close the half. The big blow was a 3-pointer from NBA range from Moses Edun just before the clock expired, giving ASU a 37-21 advantage. The impact was obvious as the Hornets celebrated and sprinted to the locker room as Southern's players staggered slowly off the court.

ASU quickly pushed the lead to 24, behind a 3-pointer from Dustin Richmond and two from a rejuvenated Andrew Hayles. Last season's freshman of the year, Hayles -seeming to be suffering from a bit of a sophomore slump--exploded with 23 points in the game, scoring with a variety of moves, inside and out.

Hayles' fifth and final 3-point shot of the night made the score 67-38 and the rout was complete. Shortly after, ASU head coach Lewis Jackson made mass substitutions, giving his starters a rest and the chance to enjoy their finest outing of the year.

Southern erased some of the lead late, but the outcome was never in doubt.

"It was the kind of effort we have been looking for," Jackson said. "We were able to do some things offensively that we really should have been getting done earlier this year.

"We can shoot the ball better than we have, it was about time we did it."

ASU shot 50% from the floor in the second half, and made 10 3-pointers - a season high- on the night.

Miguel Morton had a double-double for ASU, recording 11 points and 10 rebounds. Richard Lott added 9 points and 11 boards. Richmond had 9 points and six assists.

For Southern (6-20, 5-9 SWAC), Deforrest Riley-Smith had 18 points. Chris Davis had 10 points off the bench.

ASU (9-15, 7-6 SWAC) travels to face Alcorn State Monday night at 7:30 p.m.