VERMILLION, S.D. | After falling behind early in the contest, Alabama State used a run midway through the second half to battle back from a six-point deficit and converted into an eight-point lead.

They had another chance at the end of the half, trailing by one with a few seconds remaining on the clock.

However, South Dakota used a three-pointer with just three seconds remaining on the clock in the first half to start a run that carried over into the second half. The run extended the Coyotes' lead to 10, and Alabama State couldn't get any closer than six down the stretch as they fell 73-59 to South Dakota on the road Monday night.

Alabama State (1-7) fell behind 7-1 to start the game before they hit their first field goal with 14:34 remaining in the first half to pull to within four at 9-5. After a South Dakota shot pushed the lead back to six at 11-5, the Hornets went on a 10-4 run to pull ahead 17-15 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half – their first lead of the game.

The teams traded baskets to tie the score at 21-all with 5:32 remaining in the half. Following a pair of free throws from South Dakota to push the lead to 24-21 with 1:17 remaining, Alabama State used a basket by Brandon Battle to pull to within one at 24-23 with 1:02 remaining, and after a South Dakota turnover had an opportunity for the last shot of the half.

However, a turnover led to a three-pointer to push the halftime lead to 27-23 and ignited a run by the Coyotes at the beginning of the half to extend the lead to double figures.

Tobi Ewuosho was the lone player in double figures with 11 points, while adding eight rebounds. Jacoby Ross added nine off the bench and Austin Rogers eight. AJ Farrar added eight points, five rebounds and a pair of assists off the bench, while the Hornets shot 35.0 (21-of-60) percent from the floor. They also shot 25.0 (6-for-24) percent from beyond the arc and 68.8 (11-of-16) percent from the free throw line.

Meanwhile, Stanley Umude led South Dakota (8-3) with 21 points and six rebounds; while also dishing out five assists. Tyler Hagedorn added 18 and Tyler Peterson 12 for the Coyotes who ended the night shooting 50 (26-of-52) percent from the floor.

Alabama State returns to action Wednesday night on the road at Kansas State, with tip set for 7 pm. The game can be seen on ESPN+, and will be carried by the Hornet Sports Network with pregame starting at 6:45 pm.

#FollowTheHornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University men's basketball, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateMBB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.