HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | Tyler Mason's layup with 28 seconds remaining to help Alabama State University claim a 89–88 victory over arch rival Alabama A&M University on Saturday at the AAMU Event Center.

Micah Simpson led the team with 24 points followed by Mason's 20 points.

Simpson shot 8-of-11 from the field and buried five 3-pointers, while Mason delivered an efficient 9-of-10 performance to help the Hornets (10-19) hold off a late surge by the Bulldogs (16-13) in a rivalry matchup that featured 12 lead changes and 13 ties.

Alabama State led 50–44 at halftime and pushed its advantage to as many as 11 early in the second half before Alabama A&M clawed back behind Koron Davis, who scored a game-high 26 points. The Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to one possession in the final minute, but the Hornets' defense held to secure the win.

Tyler Byrd contributed 12 points for Alabama State, while Jerquarius Stanback added eight points and seven rebounds. The Hornets shot 55.2 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc, offsetting Alabama A&M's 57.4 percent shooting night.

Alabama State dominated in the paint with a 42–32 scoring edge and converted 17 fast-break points, helping counter Alabama A&M's balanced scoring attack that saw four players reach double figures.

Jalen Carruth scored 16 points and Bilal Abdur-Rahman added 13 for the Bulldogs.

The Hornets controlled the lead for more than 22 minutes and used timely second-chance baskets from Mason down the stretch to maintain their edge.

Alabama State returns to action against Southern University on Tusday at 7 p.m. at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.