MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Asjon Anderson scored a game-high 23 points and Alabama State University men's basketball pulled away in the second half to defeat Alcorn State 81-66 on Monday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
The Hornets (5-12, 2-2 SWAC) shot 52.0 percent from the floor and used a balanced attack to secure the conference victory, leading for nearly the entire contest after taking control midway through the first half. Alabama State outscored Alcorn State 43-34 after intermission to turn a six-point halftime advantage into a comfortable win.
Anderson was efficient and aggressive throughout, finishing 5 of 10 from the field and a perfect 10 of 10 at the free-throw line to go with seven rebounds. He scored in double figures in both halves and helped ignite several key runs that kept the Braves at bay. Micah Simpson added 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting and chipped in six rebounds, while contributing on both ends of the floor.
Alabama State built early momentum behind its transition game and defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that led to easy scoring opportunities. The Hornets carried a 38-32 lead into halftime after shooting better than 52 percent in the opening 20 minutes.
Alcorn State trimmed the margin to one early in the second half, but Alabama State responded with a decisive run sparked by Anderson and Simpson. A series of fast-break baskets and timely perimeter shooting pushed the lead to double figures, and the Hornets never allowed the Braves to seriously threaten again.
The Hornets also received solid contributions from their bench, which outscored Alcorn State's reserves 32-17, and held advantages in fast-break points (31-11) and points off turnovers (21-7). Alabama State finished 21 of 26 at the free-throw line and knocked down eight 3-pointers to complement its inside scoring.
Alcorn State (2-13, 1-2 SWAC) was led by Shane Lancaster with 15 points, but the Braves were held to 37.7 percent shooting for the game and were unable to overcome Alabama State's efficiency and depth.
Alabama State returns to SWAC play on Monday, Jan. 19 against Alabama A&M in the 2026 Bridge Builders Classic at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala.
