Birmingham, Ala. -- Alabama State picked up a statement win on the road Tuesday night, edging UAB 77–74 behind clutch free-throw shooting from Asjon Anderson and a strong all-around effort from Micah Simpson.
Anderson led the Hornets with 20 points, converting 11-of-16 from the line — including six straight in the final minute to seal the victory. Simpson added 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting from three-point range, while Jerquarius Stanback turned in a balanced performance with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.
The Hornets started hot, using an early 11–0 run to build a double-digit lead at 14-4 just three minutes into the game, and led 27-17 with eight minutes left in the first half. UAB clawed back late in the half, but Alabama State carried a 36–35 advantage into the break.
Simpson led the first half scoring with 12 points on four three-point field goals.
In the second half, the Blazers took their first lead at 45–44 with 15 minutes left in the game and went on to lead by eight (55-47) with 12 minutes left and led 57-51 with just over nine minutes left in the game.
That's when Alabama State quickly regained control thanks to key baskets from R'Chaun King and Tyler Byrd, who finished with 8 points and a game-high 8 rebounds off the bench.
With the game even at 60 with six minutes left, the Hornets went on a 9-0 run to push the lead out to 69-60 and led 71-62 with 1:21 left in the game.
UAB would not go away quietly as the Blazers used back-to-back three-point field goals in the closing minute and actually cut the Hornets lead to 75-74 with just five seconds left in the game. That's when Anderson hit the final two free throws of his 11 to push the lead back out to the final three-point lead. ASU finished the game on a steal from Anderson and ASU ran out the clock to secure the victory.
As a team, Alabama State shot 43.1% from the field and 65% at the line, while holding UAB to just 10% from three-point range (2-of-20). The Hornets also forced 12 turnovers and led for nearly 30 minutes of game time.
ASU finished the game with 19 assists on 28 made field goals, as Anderson led the way with a game-high seven. Anderson also had a game-high four steals.
Chance Westry paced UAB with 25 points, and KyeRon Lindsay-Martin added 14 points for the Blazers.
The win moves Alabama State to 1-1 on the season and marks their first victory over UAB in program history. The Hornets return home to face Virginia University Lynchburg Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
