Box Score
BIRMINGHAM,Ala.- Like a dog wouldscrap over a bone, Alabama State had to scrap to get a win.
The No. 2seed Alabama State (14-14) came out on top with a 64-56 victory over PrairieView (6-22) at the Birmingham-Jefferson Complex Center Arena Thursday night.
“This wasdefinitely a dog fight,” said Alabama State head coach Rob Spivey about thegame. “But we survived and played outstanding in the end.”
The defeatwas not easily accomplished as Alabama State struggled in the first half. Prairieview had a 9-point lead over Alabama State and concluded with a score of 33-24at halftime.
PrairieView surprised Alabama State with accurate outside shooting. Senior guardPhilip Scott of Prairie View went 5-of-6 in 3-pointers during the first half.
“Theysurprised us,” said Spivey. “We didn’t expect them to make as many outsideshots as they did in the first half.”
Despite thelack of momentum in the first half, Alabama State was able to bounce back andturn up the intensity in the second half.
“We had topick up our intensity,” Spivey said. “We had to play stronger and consistent.”
The Hornetsswitched their defense from zone to man-to-man and stepped it up with theiroffense scoring 40 points in the second half. Alabama State finished with fiveplayers scoring in double figures led by Ralfeal Golden’s 17 points.
“This isthe first time that we’ve had fivedouble figures,” said Spivey. “I believe that there is a definite chance for usto win the tournament, if we can get double figures like this throughout thewhole entire tournament.”
Alabama Statewill now face Southern in the men’s SWAC semifinals Friday at 5 p.m. The game willbe televised on ESPNU, tape delayed, and will be broadcasted live on 1460 WXOK-AM.
