STARKVILLE, Miss. — Alabama State struggled to keep pace with Mississippi State on Monday night, falling 94-56 at Humphrey Coliseum.

The Hornets (3-10) were led by Asjon Anderson, who scored a team-high 17 points and added five rebounds. Micah Simpson finished with 14 points, knocking down three 3-pointers, while Tyler Byrd contributed 10 points off the bench.

Alabama State showed early fight and briefly traded baskets in the opening minutes, but Mississippi State used its size and depth to seize control midway through the first half. The Bulldogs closed the period on a strong run and carried a 49-31 advantage into halftime.

The Hornets were unable to cut into the deficit after the break, as Mississippi State continued to score efficiently in the paint and on second-chance opportunities. Alabama State shot 28 percent from the field for the game and did not hit a 3-pointer in the second half.

Mississippi State finished with a 50-12 advantage in points in the paint and held a 49-27 advantage on the boards. The Bulldogs placed six players in double figures, led by Josh Hubbard's game-high 22 points.

Alabama State opens Southwestern Athletic Conference play at Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, Jan. 3 in Itta Bena, Miss.