MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State used a pair of game-changing runs in both halves to end Texas Southern's winning streak at six games as they claimed a 79-55 win Monday night.
The Tigers led 10-4 within the first five minutes but went on a four-minute scoring drought before returning to the scoreboard on Yahuza Rasas' layup with 11:04 remaining. Aided by four TSU turnovers, ASU began to heat up as they went on an 8-0 run during that span as the game was tied at 12-all. Alabama State kept on charging as they went on a 16-3 run over the next 3:31. The Hornets were 5-for-6 from the field while TSU shot 1-for-8 as they trailed 28-13 with 7:33 remaining in the half.
The Tigers wouldn't back down as they responded with a 12-0 run of their own as Justin Hopkins scored five points over the next 3:45 to cut the deficit to 28-25 at the 2:11 mark. Down 30-26 with 1:43 left, ASU's Leon Daniels upped the margin to 33-26 and sparked a 7-2 run surge as ASU closed the half ahead 37-28.
TSU scored the first point in the second half but the scoring would cease due to 0-for-4 shooting as ASU answered with an 8-1 run to lead 45-29 with 16:04 left. The closest TSU would get was 14 points at the 12:55 mark as ASU maintained a comfortable margin the remainder of the game.
On off-shooting night doomed the Tigers as they finished with a 29.8 percentage overall. Eden Ewing and Rasas led TSU with 11 points apiece while both grabbed eight rebounds.
Round two of SWAC play kicks off Saturday at Prairie View A&M with a 5 p.m. tip.
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Courtesy: TSU Athletics