MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University men's basketball came up just short in its home opener Monday night, dropping a hard-fought 79-77 decision to Georgia Gwinnett at the Reed-Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
The Hornets (0-2) had four players score in double figures, led by Paul McMillan IV, who finished with a game-high 24 points. Tre Powell added 23 points, including seven 3-pointers, while Terrence Hampton Jr. contributed 13 points and nine rebounds. Damarion Bonds recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 points.
Alabama State showed offensive balance throughout the contest, overcoming an early deficit and putting together a strong second-half effort. However, Georgia Gwinnett (7-0) used its shooting efficiency and ability to score inside to hold off the Hornets and escape Montgomery with the two-point victory.
The Hornets opened the contest looking to establish themselves offensively, but Georgia Gwinnett capitalized on early opportunities to build momentum. Alabama State responded behind McMillan and Hampton, who provided scoring around the basket, while Bonds helped create additional possessions on the offensive glass.
Alabama State carried a 34-32 advantage into halftime after a competitive opening 20 minutes. The Hornets received important contributions from Powell, who knocked down shots from beyond the arc, and McMillan, who continued to attack the basket and keep the offense moving.
Georgia Gwinnett came out of the break with an offensive surge, scoring 47 points in the second half to take control of the contest. The visitors eventually built their largest lead at 11 points with 2:27 remaining, putting Alabama State in a difficult position late in the game.
The Hornets continued to battle, however, putting together a late push that featured a seven-point scoring run in the final 43 seconds. Alabama State's effort brought the contest down to the final moments, but Georgia Gwinnett managed to preserve the narrow victory, 79-77.
Georgia Gwinnett finished the night shooting 57.1 percent from the field (28 of 49), including 11-of-19 from 3-point range. Marc Chavenet led the visitors with 14 points, while Brasen James added 13 points and Ray Rolley finished with 11. Dewayne Jackson recorded 11 rebounds to go along with eight points.
Alabama State shot 40.6 percent from the floor (26 of 64) and connected on 11-of-28 attempts from 3-point range. The Hornets held a 36-35 rebounding advantage and scored 14 second-chance points compared with 10 for Georgia Gwinnett. However, the visitors held a 34-22 advantage in points in the paint.
The Hornets made one final push in the closing seconds. After trailing by as many as 11 points, Alabama State cut the deficit to five following a McMillan basket with 1:21 remaining. Powell then connected on a 3-pointer and converted the ensuing free throw to make it a 76-70 contest.
Following a Georgia Gwinnett free throw, McMillan brought the Hornets within five at 77-72 with a basket at the 1:21 mark. Alabama State continued to apply pressure, and Marquintez Dixon scored on a second-chance jumper with 43 seconds remaining to make it 77-74.
Dixon then came up with a steal, setting up McMillan's 3-pointer that tied the game at 77-77. However, Georgia Gwinnett answered immediately when Amari Morgan grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a second-chance tip-in dunk to put the visitors back in front, 79-77.
Alabama State had one final opportunity, but Bonds' 3-point attempt with four seconds remaining missed. Dixon secured the offensive rebound, but his follow-up tip-in also failed to fall as Georgia Gwinnett held on for the victory.
The Hornets return to action on Wednesday, hosting Oklahoma Panhandle State at 6 p.m.
