MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Joshua Freelove netted 18 points and Alabama State’s defense came through late in a 49-46 win over Southwestern Athletic Conference-rival Alcorn State Monday night.
Alcorn State led 42-39 on Anthony Nieves’ 3-pointer with 8:18 left, but then went nearly 7 minutes without scoring. Alabama State’s Bobby Brown scored four points on a 6-0 run as the Hornets (6-14, 4-3) took a 45-42 lead.
Marquiz Baker hit two free throws for Alcorn State (7-16, 5-3) with 1:30 left to cut Alabama State’s lead to 45-44, but Ryan Watts hit a jumper and a free throw and Phillip Crawford closed with another foul shot as the Hornets held on for the three-point win.
Baker paced the Braves with 21 points. Alcorn State had won five of its past seven after beginning the year 2-13.
Brown tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double.
