MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State dropped a 61-56 contest to UAPB in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) action Monday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome – dropping their first home game of the season.

The Hornets turned in one of their best defensive performances of the season as they held UAPB to just 12 offensive rebounds and forced 13 turnovers. But it was the offensive end of the floor that hampered Alabama State in their second home game of the season. The Hornets shot just 37.0 (20-of-54) percent from the floor and just 13.0 (3-of-23) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 61.9 (13-of-21) percent from the free throw line.

The two teams traded baskets for much of the game until UAPB was able to pull away and take a seven-point lead at 57-50 late in the second half. The game was even for the most part as the two teams each scored 28 points in the paint and were near each other in points of turnovers (14-11 UAPB) and bench points (17-11 UAPB).

Tobi Ewuosho led Alabama State with 19 points and nine rebounds, converting 7-of-13 shots from the floor. He also dished out three assists in the loss, while DJ Heath added 11 points and Leon Daniels nine in the loss.

Marquelle Carter led UAPB with 19 points while Dequan Morris added 10 for the Golden Lions who finished the game shooting 48.8 (21-of-43) percent from the floor and 41.7 (5-of-12) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 58.3 (14-of-24) percent from the free throw line, while Alabama State won the rebounding battle 35-24.

Alabama State returns to action Saturday in Birmingham (Ala.) against Alabama A&M at Bill Harris Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5 pm and can be heard on the Hornet Sports Network beginning 15 minutes prior to tip.

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