BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Kendal Parker and Ubong Okon had career performances leading Alabama State to a 66-60 overtime victory over Merrimack on Saturday afternoon at the Pete Hanna Center.
 
Parker finished with a career-high 12 points for Alabama State (3-4), while Okon finished with career-highs in both points (eight) and rebounds (10) off the bench. TJ Madlock led the Hornets with 16 points, while CJ Hines added 14.
 
Alabama State finished the night shooting 31.7 (20-of-63) percent from the floor and 20.0 (4-of-20) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 84.6 (22-of-26) percent from the free throw line.
 
Adam Clark led Merrimack with 12 points, while Samba Diallo and Jordan Derkack each added 11.
 
How It Happened

• Merrimack led for over 30 minutes in the game, including by as many as nine in the second half before Alabama State mounted a comeback to force overtime.
• The Hornets went on a pair of runs including an 8-0 run over a span of 5:27, while holding Merrimack scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the second half. They also went on a 7-0 run late in the second half to have a chance to win.
• The Hornets had a chance to win the game in regulation but a jumper from Parker and a missed tip-in from Sean Smith fell short.
• In overtime, Alabama State took the early lead at 58-56 before taking the lead for good at 60-58 on a jumper from Smith.
• The Hornets knocked down six of eight free throws down the stretch in overtime to seal the win. 

Alabama State Notes

• Both Parker and Ubong had career days with Parker setting a new career-high in points with 12, breaking his previous mark of 11 set against UAPB last season.
• Ubong set career-highs in both points and rebounds, grabbing double-digit rebounds for the first time in his career.
• Hines scored in double figures for the seventh consecutive game this season.
• Alabama State held Merrimack to just 17.2 (5-of-29) percent shooting from beyond the arc.
• The Hornets' bench outscored Merrimack 27-9 on the day.

Up Next
Alabama State returns to action on December 3 against Mississippi University at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. Tip is set for 6 pm and the game will be carried on the Hornet Sports Network.
 
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