THE HILL | The Alabama A&M University men's basketball team built a double-digit second-half lead and fought down to the final possession, but a late basket by Alcorn State proved decisive as the Bulldogs fell, 64–62, Saturday afternoon in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game at the AAMU Event Center.
Alabama A&M (8-8, 1-2 SWAC) opened the game with energy on both ends, forcing turnovers and converting them into early points. After a scoreless first two minutes, the Bulldogs ripped off a 10–0 run highlighted by
Bilal Abdur-Rahman's transition layup and
Koron Davis' dunk off a steal to take control.
Alcorn State (2-12, 1-1) answered with perimeter shooting to trim the margin, but Alabama A&M closed the half strong behind Davis' activity on the glass and finishes in the paint, carrying a 34–29 lead into the break.
The Bulldogs stretched the advantage early in the second half. Davis knocked down a three and converted a pair of free throws to push the lead to eight, and
Kintavious Dozier's fast-break layup off a turnover made it 46–35 with 15:52 remaining. Alabama A&M continued to win the paint battle, scoring consistently on second chances as
James Flippin and P.J. Eason cleaned the glass.
Alcorn State slowly chipped away, using free throws and timely threes to get back within one possession. The visitors tied the game at 50–50 on a Morris three with 9:28 left, but the Bulldogs responded with a quick burst—
Sami Pissis buried a corner three and Davis followed with a jumper to restore a five-point cushion at 55–50.
Down the stretch, the game tightened. Alcorn State took its first lead since the opening minutes on a Morris layup with 5:28 remaining. Alabama A&M answered with Dozier's three from the wing and Davis' floater to pull within two, 62–60, inside the final three minutes. After Alcorn State regained a two-point edge, Dozier calmly stepped to the line and knocked down two free throws to knot the score at 62 with 2:06 to play.
On the ensuing possession, Alcorn State converted in the paint to reclaim the lead at 64–62. Alabama A&M had opportunities in the final seconds, but a contested three at the horn came up short, sealing the narrow defeat.
Davis led Alabama A&M with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Eason recorded 11 points and six boards. Dozier scored nine of his 10 points in the second half as the Bulldogs outscored Alcorn State 32–28 in the paint and held a 12–6 edge in second-chance points, but Alcorn State's efficiency at the free-throw line proved to be the difference.
Jameel Morris led Alcorn State with 21 points, eight boards and four assists. Tycen McDaniels and Omari Hamilton each recorded 12 points.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M concludes its two-game homestand on Monday when the Bulldogs play host to Jackson State. Tip-off against the Tigers is set for 7 p.m. from the AAMU Event Center and streamed on SWAC TV.
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