COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Alabama State fell to SIUE Sunday afternoon 83-68 in the final game of the Air Force MTE Classic at Clune Arena.

Micah Simpson scored a game-high 20 points, while Asjon Anderson added 18 and four assists. Damarien Yates came off the bench to score nine, and Cam Palesse added eight points and four rebounds.

Alabama State controlled much of the first half, shooting 37% from the field and knocking down four three-pointers while forcing SIUE into tough looks and just 24% shooting before the break. Simpson and Anderson powered the early push, combining for 21 first-half points as the Hornets built a 37–28 advantage at halftime.

But the second half belonged to SIUE.

The Cougars erupted for 55 points after the break, shooting an incredible 71.4% from the field and 62.5% from three while pounding the ball inside for 40 points in the paint on the afternoon. SIUE also turned defense into offense, turning fast breaks and second-chance opportunities into separation on the scoreboard.

Jordan Pickett led SIUE with 14 points, while Jack Campion added 15 and Myles Thompson chipped in 14 as the Cougars steadily pulled away.

With the loss, Alabama State falls to 3–4 on the season, while SIUE improves to 4–3. The Hornets will end the current 12-day, five-game road trip at New Mexico on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. CT.