March 4, 2006

Box Score

It was Senior Day at Elmore Gym, but a sophomore saved the day for Alabama A&M. Galen Gardenhire scored 10 points in a 2 1/2 minute span late in the game, including three three-point baskets to set up a classic ending for the Bulldogs' most recognized seniors.

Obie Trotter made one of two free throws with 3.2 seconds remaining, and Joe Martin got the offensive rebound on his miss. That was the difference as Alabama A&M won its fifth straight game and clinched the number two seed in next week's SWAC Tournament with a 58-57 win Saturday.

A&M ran out to a 27-11 lead in the first half, but the Tigers slowly melted away the lead and finally took a 51-50 lead with 4:02 remaining. A minute later the lead was pushed to three at 53-50. Gardenhire then hit back-to-back threes and gave A&M a 56-55 lead.

Grambling tied the score at 57 with :51 left and got the ball back on an A&M turnover. The Tigers could not convert and Martin secured one of his 14 rebounds to set up the ending. Trotter was fouled attempting the game-winning shot after the Bulldogs ran down the clock.

Alabama A&M finishes the regular season with a 13-12 record and 11-7 in the SWAC. The Bulldogs will face Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the first round of the conference tournament at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday in Birmingham.