Feb. 6, 2007

Final Stats

Just plain bad.

Those weren't Lewis Jackson's words, but they may have well been.

In their 52-44 loss to Mississippi Valley State Monday night, Alabama State shot 29.8% from the field, leaving their coach's head shaking.

"There's no other way to say it, but we have to find a way to make shots," Jackson said. "We can play good defense and all the other things, but if you can't make shots you are going to have a very hard time trying to win."

After a close first 12 minutes, Valley scored 14 of out the next 18 points to take a 32-21 lead at halftime.

The Delta Devils held their cushion at around 10 points for most of the second half, as the Hornets continued to miss shots all over the floor. Alabama State seemed like they believed they had a chance win until Joel Bosh drained a big 3-point shot and the Hornets were within three.

Suddenly the Hornets and the home crowd were filled with life. But, Bosh couldn't knock down his next shot and the Delta Devils' Standford Speech was fouled getting the rebound. ASU was over the foul limit, and Speech hit both of the free throws he was awarded.

On the next trip, Dustin Richmond missed a 3-pointer, but the Hornets still were within six. ASU made a great defensive stand and forced a desperation jump shot but MVSU's Richard Cannon laid in the rebound, sealing ASU's fate.

ASU's big three of Richmond, Andrew Hayles and Richard Lott were 10 of 36 for the game. As a team, the Hornets only made only 9 field goals in the first half and only eight in the second. It was their fifth time this year they've made less than 30% of their attempts.

Lott led ASU with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Speech was the only player from Valley (11-12, 8-3 SWAC) in double figures with 12 points.

The Hornets (7-15, 5-6 SWAC) must now gear up for a battle with archrival Alabama A & M on Saturday. Tip off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Joe L. Reed Acadome.