NORMAL -- Cornelius Hester scored a game high 20 points, 12 of which came in the first half, as the Alabama A&M Bulldogs squeaked out a 68-58 win over Southern Monday night on “The Hill”.

 

The Jaguars (4-16, 3-5 SWAC) scored the first basket of the game, a layup by Julius Ingram at the 19:28 mark. Afterward they would not see the lead again. A three-pointer by Hester with 15:23 remaining in the first half made the score 15-4. From there the Bulldogs built a double digit lead which stood at 16 points (44-28) going into intermission.

 

Going into the final eight minutes of the game, the Jaguars went on a 19-9 run which trimmed the lead to nine points (67-58) the closest they have been since the first half. Guard Reggie Porter was fouled and hit one of two free-throws to lock up the Bulldogs fifth conference victory.    

 

The Bulldogs were plus 34 in points in the paint (38-24) and won the bench battle 34-32.

 

The win moves A&M (8-8, 5-2 SWAC) within one game of first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Texas Southern, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley are all tied for first with a 6-1 record.

 

Madut Bol and Fredrick Colman both score 14 apiece for the Jaguars.

 

A&M (8-8, SWAC 5-2) will face Texas Southern University on Saturday, January 29 at 4:30 p.m. in Houston, TX.