ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. | Trailing by as many as 12, Alabama State fought back in the second half with two chances to take the lead, but their second half rally fell short in a 71-63 loss to UAB at the Basketball Destination St. Pete Classic Saturday night.

Alabama State (1-10) trailed by as many as 12 in the first half before a furious rally early in the second half due to full court pressure and 60 percent shooting, tied the game at 40-all with 14:27 to play. However, a missed shot turned into a 7-1 run by the Blazers to give UAB a 47-41 lead with 12:08 remaining in the game.

The Hornets to draw within a point again at 53-52 with 8:31 to play in the half on a layup by Austin Rogers, but UAB answered with another run to push the lead to 10 with just over six minutes to play. However, Alabama State did not go away as they pulled to within five with just under two minutes to play but couldn't convert on a free throw and layup. Those two misses allowed UAB to put the game away.

Tobi Ewuosho led Alabama State with 17 points and six rebounds, while also dishing out three assists and recording a pair of steals. He finished the night shooting 8-of-15 from the floor, while Brandon Battle added 10 points and seven rebounds. Four other players combined 33 points for Alabama State who finished the night shooting 40.7 (24-of-49) percent from the floor and 29.2 (7-of-24) percent from beyond the arc.

They also shot the night shooting just 47.1 (8-of-17) percent from the free throw line, while forcing 19 UAB (7-4) turnovers.

Meanwhile, Tyreeek Scott-Grayson led UAB with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Will Butler added 14 off the bench and Maktar Gueye 12 points (nine rebounds). The Blazers finished the night shooting 53.7 (22-of-41) percent from the floor and just 33.3 (5-of-15) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 71.0 (22-of-31) percent from the free throw line.

Alabama State returns to action on the final day of the tournament against Austin Peay at 12 pm (est) Sunday afternoon. The game can be heard on the Hornet Sports Network, beginning with pregame at 11:45 am (est).  

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