Jan. 12, 2008

Final Stats

Montgomery, Ala. - Finally, a complete game - Alabama State guard Andrew Hayles said.

Hayles and his teammates beamed while walking off the court after handing Mississippi Valley State a 71-55 loss in the SWAC home opener for the Hornets.

"We know we are capable of being very good when we get a total team effort," Hayles said. "And tonight, we got it that...finally."

ASU started fast with a 9-0 blitz in the first 3:09 in the game. The Hornets were playing the patient, inside out game that head coach Lewis Jackson has been urging.

With Brandon Gordon and Chief Kickingstallionsims operating efficiently inside, Hayles and point guard Brandon Brooks took care of business on the perimeter.

In the first half, Gordon and Chief teamed up for 15 points and Hayles and Brook combined for 14. ASU controlled the rebound battle 13-8, outshot Valley 65% to 40% and held a 33-23 halftime lead.

But - despite Hayles post-game declaration - ASU did suffer a letdown, although it was short, and allowed MVSU back into the game. In fact, Stanford Speech's three-pointer with 13:21 remaining capped a 17-7 run and gave Valley a 41-40 lead.

That moment, however, led to perhaps the proudest feeling of the season for Jackson. He'd watched his team played well, surrender a lead and then find themselves unable to put together a rally big enough to come back.

This night, though, was different.

After Jackson called a timeout and settled his troops, Roland Fitch powered inside for basket followed by a three point play for Hayles. Then Gordon hit two free throws and banged inside for a hoop and the Hornets led by eight.

Valley would make one last run and got within two. However, Rashad Provitt - who'd struggled to find his shot the entire season - canned a huge three pointer to make the lead 52-47. And ASU would nail the door shut with a 19-8 run to close the game.

Hayles finished with a game-high 19 points. Gordon chipped in 14. Kickingstallionsims had his best all-around game of the season with 13 points, six rebounds and four blocks. Brooks had a career-high 12 assists to go with 9 points.

"It was a good effort tonight," Jackson said. "I was proud of the way our guys responded tonight. We can definitely build on this win."

On Monday, the Hornets host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7:30 p.m.