TALLAHASSEE, Fla. |  The Alabama State men's basketball team suffered a 76-63 defeat at Florida A&M Rattlers on Saturday.

The Hornets (9-19, 6-9) had two players score in double figures, led by Cam Palesse, who had 12 points, four assists, and two steals. Damarien Yates added 10 points and two steals off the bench, and Micah Simpson added seven points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

The Alabama State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 14 Florida A&M turnovers while committing 10. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Simpson's three steals led the way individually for the Hornets.

How It Happened

After falling behind 24-21, Alabama State went on a 5-0 run with 6:24 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Tyler Mason, to take a 26-24 lead. The Hornets then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 40-31.

Florida A&M kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 63-49 advantage before Alabama State went on a 5-0 run to shrink the deficit to 63-54 with 5:32 to go in the contest. Florida A&M responded and outscored the Hornets the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 76-63. Alabama State took care of business in the paint, recording 16 of its 32 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Hornets put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 64 percent of made baskets.
» The Alabama State bench made an impact by adding 24 points to its scoring output.
» The Alabama State defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Cam Palesse led the Hornets with 12 points.
» Alabama State got a team-high nine rebounds from Micah Simpson.

UP NEXT: Alabama State at Alabama A&M on Saturday in Huntsville, Ala.