MOBILE, Ala. | Alabama State battled into the final minutes but came up short Monday afternoon, falling 73–69 to Alabama A&M at the Bridge Builder Classic at the Mitchell Center.
The Hornets traded leads throughout a tightly contested rivalry game that featured 17 lead changes and 11 ties before Alabama A&M closed the final stretch at the free-throw line. Alabama State held a slim 32–33 deficit at halftime and remained within one possession for much of the second half before the Bulldogs used timely second-chance points and transition opportunities to seal the win
Jerquarius Stanback led Alabama State with 20 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting, adding seven rebounds as the Hornets controlled the glass with a 35–25 rebounding advantage. Micah Simpson finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, directing the offense and sparking multiple runs. Jasteven Walker chipped in nine points and six rebounds, while Damarien Yates added eight points off the bench..
Alabama State opened the game aggressively, jumping out to an early 8–2 lead behind strong interior play. Alabama A&M answered with a series of transition baskets to regain momentum, and the teams went back and forth for the remainder of the half before the Bulldogs edged ahead at the break.
In the second half, the Hornets briefly reclaimed the lead following a pair of baskets from Stanback and a Simpson layup, but Alabama A&M responded with an 8–0 spurt midway through the period to create separation. Alabama State closed the gap late, tying the game at 57–57 on a Tyler Byrd 3-pointer with 7:15 remaining, but could not fully capitalize down the stretch.
Alabama A&M shot 43.1 percent from the field and converted 24 of 29 free throws, while Alabama State finished at 45.5 percent shooting but went 11 of 17 from the line. The Bulldogs also scored 32 points off Alabama State turnovers, a key factor in the outcome.
The loss drops Alabama State to 5–13 overall and 2–3 in SWAC play, while Alabama A&M improved to 10–8 overall and 3–2 in conference action.
Alabama State returns to SWAC action on Saturday against Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, Texas.
