HOUSTON - The Alabama State men's basketball team lost a hard-fought 96-86 game at Texas Southern Monday night at the Health and PE Arena.
The Hornets (12-16 overall, 7-9 SWAC) saw a four-game winning streak end as Texas Southern (16-12, 15-1) clinched the outright regular season title for the second straight year.
Jamel Waters scored 23 of his career-high tying 29 points in the second half as the Hornets battled back from a 19-point first-half deficit.
Trailing 51-37 at halftime, Waters and
Torloft Thomas each hit three-pointers on the first two possessions of the second half to spark a furious rally. Alabama State cut the deficit to single digits 12 times in the final 20 minutes, and got as close as five, 89-84 with on two free throws by Waters with 1:09 to play, but could get no closer.
Waters added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, and hit four of ASU's 11 three pointers, the second highest total of the season. He was one of four Hornets in double figures, as
Tony Armstrong scored 18,
Terrance LeFlore 13 and
Corvon Butler 10.
Alabama State shot 46.4 percent from the field (32-69), including 50 percent from 3-point range (11-22) and nearly 70 percent from the free-throw line (11-14).
The Hornets return home for the final two games of the regular season Thursday against Jackson State at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday against Grambling at 5 p.m.
Thursday is Educators Night as all principals, teachers, aides, and staff at local and area schools can purchase tickets for only $2. Saturday is Senior Day and Greek Night, as all Greeks with or wearing paraphernalia can purchase tickets for only $2. For more information, call 334-229-4551.
