Jan. 22, 2007

Final Stats

For 36 minutes Monday the Alabama A&M Bulldogs looked like a team that had turned the corner. A young team that had struggled as of late was leading defending SWAC champion Southern 58-41 with 3:50 to play with everything seemingly in control. Ten turnovers against the Jaguars' desperation pressure let Southern dig its way back to within three points twice in the final minute, but the Bulldogs regained their composure and held on for a 68-63 victory. Mickell Gladness notched the finest performance of his career with 15 rebounds and nine more blocked shots to go along with eight points. The junior leads the nation in blocked shots with 104 total and 5.8 per game.

LaNorris Smith stepped up and hit four straight free throws in the final 14 seconds to stop the Jaguar momentum and seal the Bulldog victory.  Trant Simpson led AAMU with 14 points and six assists, but fouled out with 2:44 remaining.

Steffon Wiley led the Jaguar charge in the final minutes with five steals and hitting 11-13 free throws for a game-high 17 points.  Chris Davis had 15 and Jarvaris Bradford 10.  The Jaguars shot just 28 percent from the floor.

Alabama A&M outrebounded Southern 53-39.  Seven players had at least four rebounds for the Bulldogs.

A&M moves to 7-11 overall and 2-5 in the SWAC with the win.  Southern falls to 4-16 and 3-5.  Alabama A&M plays Saturday at Texas Southern.