FINAL STATS

BIRMINGHAM—Andrew Pitts rushed for a career-high 122 yards and a touchdown and Donovan Masline intercepted two passes to lead Alabama State University to a 31-10 win over Alabama A&M University in the 69^th Annual Magic City Classic.

"We talk about believing and we continue to do that," head coach Reggie Barlow said.  "I know as a player how a win in this game feels and I am so happy for our players.  They wanted this win very badly and they worked hard to get it."

Pitts yardage was also a game-high for the Hornets as ASU racked up a season-high 212 yards on the ground. The total rushing yardage was ASU's most since they rushed for 208 yards in the season-opening win over Mississippi Valley State.

Pitts touchdown came on a 47 yard run, which is also the longest run from scrimmage for ASU this season, on ASU's opening drive of the second half which gave the Hornets a 24-3 lead.

"Pitts is a good player," head coach Reggie Barlow said.  "He is just a freshman and has had his ups and downs, but I am proud of the way he played today."

ASU added one more score in the third quarter when Masline stepped in front of a Justin Jones pass and returned it 40 yards for ASU's final score of the game. It was Masline's second interception of the game.  His first interception in the first quarter was also returned for a score, but was called back due to an illegal block during his return.

AAMU added a touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Justin Jones to G'Alonzo Milton.

The Hornets held a 17-3 lead at halftime due to the running and passing of quarterback Devin Dominguez. After Andrew Lyons gave ASU a 3-0 lead with a 41-yard field goal, Dominguez hit T.C. McWilliams from 18 yards out to push the lead to 10-0. The score came after a Brandon Roberts interception which set the Hornets offense up on AAUM's 31 yard line.

ASU then came up with its longest scoring drive of the season; a 98-yard, eight play drive which only took 3:33 off the clock. The drive concluded with Dominguez diving in from a yard out to give ASU a 17-0 lead with 6:28 left in the first half.

During that drive Quendarious McKibbon rushed for 24 of his 37 first-half yards and Pitts broke thru the AAMU defensive front for a 35 yard rush that set up Dominguez' plunge from the one yard line.

AAMU finished out the half with a Chance Wilson 27-yard field goal with only 52 seconds left. The drive lasted 5:29 and covered 67 yards in 12 plays. AAMU was able to convert two third-and-long situations to keep the drive alive.

ASU's offense only had 296 yards of total offense, but played with a short field for most of the game as AAMU turned the ball over four times.

Quendarious McKibbon had a career-high with 51 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Dominguez finished the game completing six of his 15 passes for 84 yards and a score, while rushing for 28 yards and a score.

ASU's defense once again had an outstanding effort led by Masline's two interceptions. Brandon Roberts had five stops including one sack and also had an interception and returned it 12 yards.  Kynjee Cotton had five stops and 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for lost yardage.

"Our defense played well for the second week in a row," Barlow said.  "Coach Thornton had a game plan and the defense went out and performed well."

AAMU only managed 210 yards (123 rushing, 87 passing) of total offense. Tony Green had 80 yards rushing while Jones and Deaute Mason combined to complete 11 of their 27 passes for 87 yards and a score. The duo also threw three interceptions.

Masline received the Magic City's defensive player of the game award, while Pitts received the offensive player of the game honor.

The win stops AAMU's five game winning streak in the Magic City Classic and moves the Hornets to 5-3 overall and 4-3 in conference action. AAMU falls to 2-6 and 1-5.

Next week the Hornets will host Jackson State University at 7 p.m. at the Cramton Bowl. The winner of that game will have the inside track to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division Championship and a berth in the SWAC Championship game.

-Hornets-