ITTA BENA, Miss. – A winning layup at the buzzer by Andrew Hayles gave Alabama State University (7-7, 4-0 SWAC) a 65-64 win over the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley (1-15, 1-2 SWAC) Monday night at the Robert W. Harrison HPER Complex.

The Hornets led by as many as five points in the first nine minutes of the game until a layup by Dwayne Harmason changed the tables for the Delta Devils at the 9:48 mark tying the score at 17-17. ASU went on a 5-0 run with 5:14 left on the clock to squeeze out a 30-28 advantage at the half.

The second half started out slow for both teams until a three-point shot by Julius Cheeks of Mississippi Valley gave the Delta Devils their first lead of the half and brought the crowd to its feet. The lead seesawed back and forth until 10:54 was left on the clock and Cheeks hit a layup to give the Delta Devils their second lead of the half. 

Alabama State stayed one step behind the Delta Devils until the 3:38 mark, when Mississippi Valley went on a 10-0 tear. But the Hornets got one last chance to tie the game and Hayles nailed a three-point shot with 1:20 remaining.

The win left the Hornets unbeaten in SWAC competition, remaining them first in the conference.

Hayles led the Hornets with 22 points. He was 5 of 12 from three-point range.  Brandon Brooks added 12 points and six rebounds.

Mississippi Valley was led by Julius Cheeks with 19 points and Dwayne Harmason with 16.

Alabama State continues its road trip Saturday, traveling to host in-state rival Alabama A&M University. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. in Huntsville, Ala.