Box Score Lorman, MS-The Alcorn State men's basketball team came close to winning two in a row tonight against Texas Southern. The Braves pick up their first SWAC loss of the season 57-48 to the visiting Tigers.
Leading almost the entire game, the Braves were outscored by the Tigers 28-17 in the second half led by the guard play of Texas Southern's Omar Strong and Raymond Penn.
Senior guard,
Anthony Nieves carried the Braves in the first half by scoring 12 straight points for the Braves and knocking down consecutive three- pointers to give the Braves a 25-24 lead with 5:02 late in the first half. But the Braves would let the Tigers hang around only up by two points, 31-29 at the half.
After the half, the Braves would only go up by four points and the momentum shifted to the Tigers at the 09:59 mark when Penn knocked down a fade away jumper.
Texas Southern's Aaron Claybourn connected on a jumper to give the Tigers their first lead, 45-43 with 6:56 left to play. It was the first time the Tigers had led since the 7:52 mark in the first half. By taking over the lead the Tigers were able to close out the Braves by making their free throws late in the game.
The Braves were 10 of 18 from the free throw line shooting 55% percent as a team in tonight's loss.
Nieves finished the game with a game and season-high 24 points for the Braves and grabbed seven rebounds. Luckectt was the other Braves player in double-figures with 18 points.
Penn and Strong led the Tigers in scoring with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
The Braves (3-14, 1-1) travel to Jackson, MS to take on Jackson State on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is at 5pm immediately following the women's game.
