Final Boxscore
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- In a back-and-forth battle, the Evansville Purple Aces captured a thrilling last minute 61-57 decision over Alabama State University Friday night at Roberts Stadium.
The Hornets (1-5) had their chances in the closing seconds, but were unable to connect on the game-winning shot as Evansville (4-2) held on for the hard fought home victory.
Tramayne Moorer led ASU with 13 points and
Sekani Milligen scored all of his career high 10 points in the second half.
Colt Ryan scored a game-high 17 points for the Aces, who benefitted in the contest from a 38-19 advantage in free throw attempts. James Haarsma chipped in 13 points along with eight rebounds in leading UE to a 42-23 rebounding edge.
In a break from recent performances, Alabama State got out of the gates quickly taking a 7-2 lead after hitting three of its first five shot attempts. Moorer scored the first five points for ASU with a driving layup and a three-pointer.
ASU used strong defense to control the momentum of the game, but was unable to build on its lead as both teams struggled through a five minute scoreless stretch. Evansville finally found some success and earned its first lead of the game, 13-12, with 8:42 left in the first period.
Tramaine Butler, who finished with nine points, then scored five consecutive points to spark a 7-2 run by the Hornets. ASU maintained a slight edge until a 10-2 surge by the Purple Aces over the closing five minutes allowed them to regain the lead just before the break.
However,
Jadarren Mumpfield drilled a three-pointer just ahead of the halftime buzzer sending the teams into the break tied at 29.
Out of halftime, UE used a 6-2 push to take a slight advantage early in the second half. The Hornets answered with seven quick points including a three by Milligen to retake the lead.
The teams than traded the lead over the next several possessions. Back-to-back treys by Milligen gave the Hornets a one-point advantage, 46-45, with 7:38 left to play. Evansville again moved in front until
Robert Sanders nailed a jumper with 3:33 remaining to give ASU its final lead of the game, 53-52.
Following a free throw by Sanders that knotted the score at 54, Alabama State committed three straight turnovers allowing Evansville to build a 58-54 advantage heading into the final minute.
Chris Duncan hit a three-pointer with 34 seconds left to pull the Hornets within one.
ASU forced a turnover on the Aces' next possession, but Butler could not convert the lead-taking drive to the basket forcing the Hornets to foul. Evansville hit three of four free throws in the closing seconds to secure the victory.
Alabama State returns home following its 1,788 mile week-long road swing and will enjoy a week off from competition. The Hornets next play Saturday, Dec. 12 at Southern Illinois.
