BOWLING GREEN, KY – The Alabama State men's basketball team could not overcome a cold shooting first half as the Hornets lost in their season opener at Western Kentucky 79-66 on Saturday night at the E.A. Diddle Arena.

Alabama State (0-1) shot just 20 percent from the floor in the first half as it had to attempt to overcome a 34-17 halftime deficit.

The Hornets pecked away at the lead, turning in a much more second half and outscored the Hilltoppers 49-45 in the second half.

Junior transfer Rodney Simeon carried over his impressive showing from last Monday's exhibition victory against Huntingdon.

The 6-foot-5 swing man equaled his point total from that game with a game-high 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting including a sharpshooting 7-of-11 from 3-point range. 

Terrance LeFlore and Corvon Butler each had 11 points apiece.

LeFlore made 5-of-14 shots, but added four assists and a game-high four steals. 

WKU (1-0) had a balanced scoring attack as six players had at least eight points. 

Que Jackson had 16 points and Pancake Thomas added 15 points to lead the Hilltoppers. 

Next, Alabama State will play at TCU on Monday at 8 p.m.

The game may be viewed on Fox Sports Southwest. 

#GOHORNETS#