NORMAL -- Alabama A&M’s rally came up short in a 25-22 loss to the Tigers of Grambling State as the Bulldogs celebrated homecoming before an electric crowd of 12,328 in the Bulldogs’ Lewis Crews Stadium.

The Bulldogs drew first blood on the opening possession of the game and staked a 7-0 lead on a two-yard scoring run by Tony Green.  After falling behind 13-7 Green once again put the Bulldogs ahead with an eight yard dash with 10:23 remaining in the first half which would ultimately be their last lead of the day.

Alabama A&M controlled much of the final statistics, as they had 25 first downs to GSU’s 14 and won the total offensive yards’ battle 404-375.  However, Grambling’s 13 points on special teams with two field goals and a kickoff returned for a touchdown kept the Bulldogs at bay.

Green finished with 118 yards rushing on 20 carries with two scores.  Quarterback Deaunte Mason completed 15 of 31 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown; he also had 19 carries for 95 yards.  Defensively Vernon Marshall and Afu Okosun recorded nine tackles apiece.

The Bulldogs will return to action next weekend when they travel to Jackson, Miss to take on the Jackson State Tigers.