ITTA BENA, Miss. | Micah Simpson scored 25 points and Asjon Anderson added 24 as Alabama State University opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with an 89-69 road victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.

R'Chaun King finished with 12 points as the Hornets (4-10, 1-0 SWAC) placed three players in double figures and shot 52.9 percent from the field while knocking down 28 of 30 free throws. Alabama State also turned defense into offense, scoring 30 fast-break points and forcing 18 Delta Devils turnovers.

Alabama State led 41-38 at halftime before taking control in the second half. The Hornets outscored Mississippi Valley State 48-31 after the break, stretching the margin to double digits early and never allowing the Delta Devils to seriously threaten.

Simpson connected on 5 of 9 attempts from 3-point range and went a perfect 6 for 6 at the foul line. Anderson was aggressive throughout, drawing fouls and converting 15 of 15 free throws while also dishing out six assists. King was efficient, going 4 of 4 from the field and adding four rebounds.

Cam Palesse led Alabama State on the glass with 11 rebounds, while Jerquarius Stanback added seven rebounds and two blocks to go along with six points.

Lamont Sams paced Mississippi Valley State (1-14, 0-1 SWAC) with 22 points. Michael James added 13 points and Patrick Punch chipped in 11, but the Delta Devils shot just 30 percent from the field in the second half.

The Hornets' largest lead reached 22 points late as Alabama State closed the game at the free-throw line to secure its first conference win of the season.

The Hornets remain on the raod to battle the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday at 6 p.m. in Pine Bluff, Ark.