Jan. 8, 2008

Final Stats

Jackson, Ms. - The Alabama State men's basketball team felt great heading into their match-up with the SWAC defending champion Jackson State Tigers.

They were coming off their season's best performance Saturday night in an 81-55 win over Grambling, and spirits and confidence ran high.

However, after a fast start, the Hornets' faded into some familiar patterns and lost 81-71 to JSU.

"Early on, we played the way we wanted to, inside-out," said ASU head coach Lewis Jackson. "Then, we lost our poise and got away from the things that got us the lead."

About halfway into the first half, Jamarr Sanders' three-pointer put the Hornets up 25-19. ASU's offense was running smoothly, as Brandon Gordon and Richard Lott were scoring inside and Sanders and Andrew Hayles were bombing away from the perimeter.

JSU, playing without last season's SWAC player of the year, turned to emerging star Grant Maxey. He knocked in a smooth jumper from the top of the key, exciting the Tiger fans in attendance. However, Chief Kickingstallionsims answered with a jump hook in the lane and the Hornets' led 32-23.

That was at the 5:53 mark, which should be remembered because it was the last time ASU would score for more than 4 and ½ minutes. In the meantime, JSU ran off 15 straight points to lead by six.

The Tigers' streak was fueled by the Hornets' generosity as ASU turned the ball over five times and missed five more shots.

At the half, JSU led 43-34.

The Hornets' fell behind by as much as 14 until ASU hit eight straight points to cut the margin to 55-49.

Twice, ASU would pull within five, but was never able to get any closer.

Brandon Gordon led the Hornets with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Brooks and Andrew Hayles each chipped in 11.

The Hornets (5-7, 1-1 SWAC) play their SWAC home opener this Saturday at 5:30 pm as they host Mississippi Valley State (2-9, 0-1 SWAC).

For tickets call (334) 229-4551 or visit the Acadome ticket office.