Alcorn Out Duels A&M Men's Basketball

Box Score

LORMAN – A&M fought hard and even took the Braves to overtime but was unable to hang on falling 70-64 Monday evening.

"We had some good looks at the basket but when you get down early it's hard to fight back," said head coach Willie Hayes. "We just can't allow ourselves to fall in a hole like we did tonight."

Down three A&M (3-4 SWAC, 6-11) was able to force Alcorn into a turnover which Jeremy Crutcher pushed down the court, dished to Arthur Capers who then hit a clutch three pointer to push the score to 57 all. This was the second overtime contest for A&M in the last two weeks.

Justin Banks secured his season high with 14 points while Brandon Ellis posted 14 points and Crutcher ended with 12.

The first half saw the Bulldogs trotting while the home team pushed the ball up and down the court. A&M shot 8 of 27 from the field and scored 21 points while Alcorn scored 34 points on 14 of 30 shooting.

"With Jerome Hunter not available for this game it really hurt us in the middle," Hayes mentioned. "Alcorn come out and did exactly what we thought they were going to do."

The second half opened with Alabama A&M on fire going on a 36-23 run that allowed them an opportunity to win the game, but a Crutcher jumper was blocked by Octavius Brown with no time remaining and the score tied 57-57.

Whenever a team is on the road hardships by way of the fans can sometimes affect the game and overtime in the Dave Whitney complex is not an easy feat for any visiting team. The 905 in attendance did not leave and rooted louder for the home team as the Braves connected on 7 of 9 from the free-throw line while A&M only saw the charity stripe twice during the five minute extra period.

The Bulldogs won the second chance points battle 16-14. Jose Long grabbed eight rebounds and scored five points. Arthur Capers added five points and six rebounds while Nicholas West finished with seven points and three boards.

Alcorn was led by LeAntwan Lucket with 21 points while Octavius Brown posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Coach Hayes and crew return home this Saturday when they welcome Texas Southern University to Elmore on Saturday, February 1, at 6:00 p.m.

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