Hayes earns first win as Bulldogs head coach

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NORMAL—First year head coach Willie Hayes earned his first victory on “The Hill” as the Bulldogs defeated the Tornados of Talladega College 100-79 Monday night in Elmore gymnasium.

Sophomore Demarquelle Tabb posted season highs with 25 points and 11 rebounds for his first double double of the year while senior Casey Cantey contributed with 19 of his own. They were the only two Bulldogs to score in double figures as 14 different players saw the court for A&M.

The Maroon & White held off a feisty Tornado squad that tied the score twice in the first half. But the hot shooting Bulldogs held their own shooting 54 percent (20-37) in the first and 55% in the second (17-31).

The Bulldogs opened the scoring off a Casey Cantey layup. From there Talladega and A&M exchanged baskets until the 15:27 mark when sophomore Brandon Ellis hit is first of two free-throws to give the Maroon & White their last lead of the game. The Bulldogs went on to take a 54-44 half-time lead.

Alabama A&M out-shot Talladega 46-38 in points in the paint, 14-4 in second chance points and 37-13 in bench points.

The second half was all Bulldogs as a multitude of players hit the court and seemed to never miss open opportunities. A&M would go on to outscore Talladega 46-35 to complete their first win of the year.

The Tornados Kerry Harris led all players with 28 points while Howard Greg finished with 17 and Christopher Tanzy posted 11.

“It’s always good to win ball games but to win them at home is special,” coach Hayes mentioned. “The team did a great job tonight and we will continue to build off this success.”

A&M will welcome cross-town rival Oakwood University on Saturday, November 19, in Elmore gymnasium for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

Tickets are available by calling the A&M ticket office at 256-372-4059.

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