Alabama State’s second-half surge was enough to lift the Hornets to a 69-61 SWAC men’s victory over Alabama A&M in the Bridge Builders Classic at the Mitchell Center in Mobile.

The Hornets (5-13 overall, 3-2 SWAC) shot 50% from the field after halftime, including hitting 3 of 6 from outside the 3-point line. Alabama A&M, in that same span, shot 25.8% from the field and hit only 1 of 10 3-pointers.  

Alabama A&M (6-12 overall, 2-3 SWAC) opened the half with a 41-36 lead, and the Bulldogs scored first on a layup by EJ Williams. Alabama State’s TJ Madlock answered with a layup that sparked an 8-0 run for the Hornets. Alabama State eventually opened things up and led by as many as 12 points in the final stretch.

Isaiah Range led the way for Alabama State, contributing 18 points, two rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Madlock had 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. Duane Posey had 10 points and six rebounds.

Alabama A&M forced 16 turnovers with 13 steals. The Bulldogs were led by Garrett Hicks, who had 15 points, three 3-pointers, six rebounds, five steals and two rebounds. Olisa Blaise Akonobi had 10 points, five rebounds and six blocked shots.

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