Alabama State holds off Bulldogs 59-56

HUNTSVILLE – In a hard-fought game befitting the fierce intrastate rivalry, Alabama State held off Alabama A&M 59-56 Saturday night.

The Hornets remain unbeaten in the Southwestern Athletic Conference at 5-0 while the loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Bulldogs, 3-2.

With Alabama State leading 57-53, A&M's Marcus Merriweather hit a three-point shot with 57 seconds left to bring the Bulldogs to within one at 57-56.

On the Bulldogs' next possession, Merriweather made a critical turnover with 33.3 seconds to play. But A&M staved off the threat before Jamel Waters stole the ball with 10 seconds to play and fed Bobby Brown for a slam and a 59-56 Hornet lead.

A technical foul was called on Brown for hanging on the rim after the basket but Merriweather missed both shots with 8 seconds to play.

Merriweather finished with 10 points and teammate Ladarius Tabb led all scorers with 20 points and 10 rebounds. A&M post player Nick West left the game with about 5 minutes to play with an ankle injury and didn't return.

For the Hornets, Waters had 18 points, Wendell Lewis scored 11 and Brown had 10. Luther Page picked up 10 rebounds.

The Bulldogs led at the half 28-25 while Alabama State scored 24 points off Bulldog turnovers.

Alabama A&M returns to action next Saturday when Southern University visits Elmore Gym. Tipoff is 6 p.m.

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