Box Score
BIRMINGHAM,Ala – The game was billed as the ‘Battle of the Bama’s,’ but right after thetipoff it quickly became the Obie Trotter show as Alabama A&M defeatedAlabama State 72-53 to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.
AlabamaState met Alabama A&M last year for the SWAC Championship game, butcouldn’t defend their title against A&M.
“Trotterwas outstanding tonight,” said Alabama State’s head coach Rob Spivery. ” He was the difference in the ballgame.”
A&M ledthe entire second half with their biggest lead of 20 points. Alabama State’s Kevin Spicer last freethrow with 1:30 remaining and a dunk by A&M’s Kudus Ogbara gave the finalscore of 72-53.
A&M’sMarcus Young missed a three in the first half with only 1:22 left, the score28-18. Alabama State’s CedricMitchell makes a three and Alexander Oliver made a layup to bring the half timescore 28-23.
AlabamaState’s Kevin Spicer led the Hornets with 15 points.
The victorygives Alabama A&M the SWAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This is thefirst time A&M has made the ‘Big Dance.’
“We’re justproud to be there,” said Pettaway. ”We’re going to go out and represent Alabama A&M, Huntsville and thestate of Alabama with pride.
The realwinner of the game was A&M’s junior guard, Trotter, who scored 24 pointsand was 8-10 in three-pointers. Trotter was also named SWACs Men’s MVP.
Trotter’steammate Joseph Martin had also 17 points.
“It wasamazing,” said Trotter. “I wasjust shooting the ball and it kept going in.”
“Wow, thatwas a great basketball game,” said Alabama A&M head coach L. VannPettaway. “I was real proud of thejob my team did in the second half.”
After allthe personal concerns of Pettaway, he felt that his team came with theintensity to win.
“This isthe proudest moment of my career, wining the SWAC title this year and winningthe tournament title,” said Pettaway. ”I said we would be back.”
