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NORMAL – Head Coach Willie Hayes saw the Bulldogs go on a six-point run, as junior transfer Brandon Allen made a layup to put Alabama A&M within six, 47-41, with 11-plus minutes remaining in the second half. On the next possession, Casey Cantey added another fast-break opportunity to cut AAMU's deficit to four.
The 6-5, senior, capitalized on another TSU turnover to pull within two with 9:48 on the clock. Allen scored on a put-back to tie the game at 47-47 with 8:30 on the clock. But that would be the last time the Bulldogs would see a tie on the score board dropping their fifth straight 78-68 to cross-state rival Tennessee State University. Cantey, who recorded his 1,000th point, finished the night with a game-high 21 points.
“Defensively we stayed in the contest but they showed inmaturity on the offensive side,” said Hayes. ”We need to take our time, we would get in a rhythm, then the guys will come down and shoot an ill-advised shot, we lose focus too soon and will address that.”
A&M won the points in the paint battle 30-26, points off turnovers 27-19 and bench points 21-15. It was the transition game that the Bulldogs struggled with being out-scored 21-8 by TSU.
Jeremy Crutcher scored 15 points while sophomore guard Green Hill added 10. Allen finished with seven points and five rebounds while Demarquelle Tabb closed out a 27 minute night hobbled by an ankle injury with four points and five boards.
The Bulldogs will take a few days off for Christmas then return on Tuesday, December 27, to prepare for the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
