KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | Tobi Ewuosho led Alabama State in scoring for the second consecutive game and the Hornets were able to keep the contest close in the first half, before No. 17/20 Tennessee was able to pull away in the second half for a 76-41 victory at Thompson-Boling Arena Wednesday night.

Ewuosho led Alabama State (0-4) with 17 points, connecting on 4-of-9 shooting from the floor that included a pair of three-pointers. He also connected on 7-of-8 from the free throw line, while grabbing five rebounds in the loss.

Alabama State scored the first basket of the game before Tennessee (4-0) went on a 9-0 run to force an Alabama State timeout just three minutes in the game. The Hornets responded, and with just over six minutes to play in the opening half, they trailed by just three at 18-15. However, from there Tennessee doubled up the Hornets to end the half (16-8) to take a 34-23 lead into the locker room.

The Vols came out in the second half and were able to pull away despite multiple defensive stops by Alabama State in the final stanza.

Alabama State ended the night shooting just 28.0 (14-of-50) percent from the floor and 20.0 (4-of-20) percent from beyond the arc. They also ended the night shooting 69.2 (9-of-13) percent from the free throw line.

Jordan Bowden led four players in double figures for Tennessee with 16 points, while Lamonte Turner added 13 and Yves Pons chipped in 11. John Fulkerson added 10 points, while Joshia-Jordan James collected a game-high 13 rebounds.

Tennessee ended the night shooting 45.8 (27-of-59) percent from the floor and 28.6 (6-of-21) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 64.0 (16-of-25) percent from the free throw line.

The game between the two was part of the Emerald Coast Classic that will take place in Niceville (Fla.) next week, as will the Hornets next game.

Alabama State hits the road to face nationally ranked VCU Monday night with tip set for 7 pm (est) and can be seen regionally on MASN. The game will also be carried by the Hornet Sports Network with pregame starting at 6:45 pm (est).

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