PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS - Octavius Brown's season high 22 points and Patrick Owenu's clutch free throws, lifted Alcorn State past Prairie View, 73-70 in their Southwestern Athletic Conference opener Saturday night.
The first half was an even match between the two teams; however the Braves' TAMARCIO WILSON came out blazing, going five-for-five on field goals, with two from beyond the arc, to pace Alcorn (3-9, 1-0). Brown complimented Wilson with six first half points. Prairie View's Zachary Hamilton lead scorers in the first half with 19 points. The Braves and the Panthers both scored 10 points, in the paint and scored nine points off of turnovers.
Wilson was tempered in the second half scoring seven points, on the other hand Brown made all seven shots from the field including a clutch free throw. The Braves improved on their first half shooting from 42.3% to 65.2%. Despite the improved shooting percentage, Alcorn was still in a dog fight. Prairie View took a 65-63 lead with 2:26 to play on a Karim York jumper in the paint.
Alcorn State tied the contest for the 16th time on a Brown jumper, prior to a Prairie View foul. Alcorn's Owenu nailed both free throws with 1:11 remaining in the clock, to take the lead for good. Owen blocked the potential tying point, and Brown cleaned it up, rebounding and putting the game out of reach with 43 ticks left.
The Braves outscored the Panthers in the paint 32-10, the bench 20-10. The game was even throughout seeing the score tied 16 times, and 14 lead changes.
Alcorn will use Sunday to clean up their mistakes, and prepare to face Texas Southern, Monday, January 4 at 8 pm. The game versus the Tigers will be played on ESPNU.
