LORMAN, Miss. – After waiting nearly two weeks to open the Southwestern Athletic Conference portion of their schedule, the Alcorn State University men's basketball team tipped off the new conference slate this past Tuesday in a close game at Grambling State. The Braves now return home to face Mississippi Valley State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and then Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday beginning at 3:30 p.m. inside Davey L. Whitney Complex.
Troymain Crosby reached 1,000 career points during his time at Alcorn State in the game against Grambling State. Needing just eight points to hit the milestone, Crosby scored 18 points and went a perfect 10-10 from the foul line. Kurk Lee ended up leading the way against the Tigers with 20 points. Tyree Corbett also reached double-figures with 15 points.
Alcorn (0-6, 0-1 SWAC) nearly came all the way back for the win against Grambling State. After trailing by 14 in the second half, the Braves came on strong to pull to within four with 26 seconds to play before the Tigers held on for the five-point win. It was the first game for Alcorn since playing at #2 Baylor on Dec. 30.
So far this season, Alcorn is averaging 63.1 points per game, connecting on 126-334 (37.7) from the field, 31-118 (26.3) from three and 96-135 (71.1) from the foul line. Opponents are averaging 67.4 points per game, connecting on 190-346 (54.9) from the field, 60-138 (43.5) from three and 126-187 (67.4) from the foul line. Crosby leads the way averaging 18.5 points per game. Corbett is second at 12.7, followed by 12.0 from Lee. David Pierce II (7.8), Oddyst Walker (7.5) and Jacoby Ross (7.0) all average around seven points per game to give the Braves six players averaging over seven per contest. Corbett leads the team in rebounds at 6.7 per game, Byron Joshua has a team-high 19 assists and leads in steals with eight.
Alcorn ranks fourth in the SWAC in points per game (63.2), fourth in free throw percentage (71.1), fourth in offensive rebounds per game (11.3), sixth in field goals made per game (5.2), sixth in turnover margin (-4.33) and sixth in steals per game (6.33). Individually, Crosby is fourth in the conference in points per game (18.5) and Corbett is 11th in points per game (12.7), Corbett is sixth in rebounds per game (6.7), Corbett is second in field goal percentage (58.8) and Crosby is eighth in field goal percentage (39.3), Walker is second in free throw percentage (87.5) and Crosby is ninth in free throw percentage (73.7), Joshua is fourth in both assists per game (3.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.0), Anthony Fairley is tied for 14th in blocked shots per game (0.6) and Joshua is 13th in steals per game (1.3).
Nationally, Alcorn ranks 53rd in the nation in fewest fouls (133), 64th in fewest turnovers (101) and 97th in offensive rebounds per game (11.33). Individually, Corbett ranks 35th in the nation in field goal percentage (58.8) and 31st in offensive rebounds per game (3.33).
Alcorn has dominated the all-time series against Mississippi Valley State holding a 70-38 record with the Braves winning both games last year rolling to a 105-73 road win in the first meeting, before coming away with a tight 92-88 home win.
So far this season, the Delta Devils are 0-10 overall and 0-2 in SWAC play, as they were only able to play one game this past week falling at home to Alabama State, 64-51. Mississippi Valley State averages 55.2 points per game making 200-608 (32.9) from the field, 102-323 (31.6) from three and 50-87 (57.5) from the foul line. Four players average in double-figures in scoring led by Kam-Ron Cunningham's 12.9 points per game. Devin Gordon adds 12.3 points, Terry Collins at 12.1 points and Caleb Hunter at 10.5 points per game. Collins leads the team in rebounds per game at 4.1, Hunter has 28 assists and Collins has 13 steals.
The Braves also hold a strong advantage in the all-time series against Arkansas-Pine Bluff leading 44-24 as Alcorn swept both games last year rolling to a 28-point win on the road in the first meeting (82-54) before winning a closer rematch at home (60-52).
The Golden Lions are 3-8 overall and 2-0 in SWAC play as they defeated Alabama State (91-82) in the only game they were able to play in last week as the game against Alabama A&M was postponed. Arkansas-Pine Bluff averages 63 points per game making 232-610 (38) from the field, 59-185 (31.9) from three and 170-233 (73) from the foul line. Opponents are averaging 84.1 points per game making 327-660 (49.5) from the field, 98-231 (42.4) from three and 173-253 (68.4) from the foul line.
Shaun Doss Jr. leads the way averaging 18.6 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. He has won back-to-back SWAC Player of the Week awards. Joshuwan Johnson averaged 10 points per game, followed by 9.6 points from Dequan Morris. Johnson leads the team in assists with 38 and adds 15 steals. Six players average at least six points per game.
Limited attendance will be allowed at both games. As of December 22, 2020, indoor arena attendance is limited to 10 percent or less of full capacity, not to exceed 1,000 persons, to ensure at least 6 feet of separation between those from different households.
