March 6, 2008

Final Stats

Montgomery, Ala. - Obviously, Andrew Hayles pays close attention to his coach.

Alabama State clinched the SWAC regular season title on Monday, but head coach Lewis Jackson demanded his team play with the same intensity in their final two games before the SWAC tournament.

On Thursday night, Hayles poured in 28 points - his season high and only two off his career high - in a 73-61 win over Grambling.

"Andrew's definitely capable of shooting the ball that way," Jackson said. "His defense has really come on and he is playing at a high level for us right now."

ASU held a 46-30 halftime lead, thanks in large part to Hayles' 14 points on five for five shooting, including hitting all of his four three point attempts.

Still, he wasn't the only Hornet shooting the ball well. ASU shot 52% as a team, compared to only 38% for the Tigers.

In the second half, GSU tried to slow the pace of the game and pound away inside. The Tigers had some success as they clawed with six on three occasions.

However, every time Grambling threatened, the Hornets had an answer - Hayles.

Grambling drew to 52-46 and Hayles hit a jumper. The Tigers countered with a basket in the lane. Hayles popped in a three-pointer.

During a ten minute span in the second half, Hayles scored 12 of ASU's 14 points, which was just enough to get Hornets a bit of breathing room and the win.

Brandon Gordon and Rashad Provitt finished with 10 points each for the Hornets.

Andre Ratliff led Grambling State with 16 points, while Duran Diaz and Jared Riley each added 10.

The victory moves ASU to 14-3 and 18-9 overall. With the top seed in the tournament already in hand, Jackson wants his team to finish strong.

"We need to have some momentum as we head into Birmingham," Jackson said. "We want to be playing our best when it matters the most."