Box Score BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alcorn men's state basketball team had a tough road to Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game. The Braves battled through close quarterfinal and semifinal contests to face Texas Southern in the big show at the Bartow Arena. Their quest to hold both the 2022 regular-season and tournament titles came up short as the Braves fell 87-62 against the Tigers.
"Somebody got to win, and somebody got to lose," said head coach Landon Bussie. "I'm just happy to be in this opportunity, even to get the chance to compete in the NCAA tournament. My expectation is to be right back in this situation next year, and hopefully, we can get a better ending result."
Justin Thomas led the Braves offense for the second time during the tournament run. He went four-for-eight from the field in Saturday's contest, including one in three-point range, and added nine of 12 free throws for 19 points. He also had three steals and five rebounds. Due to his effort, the Indianapolis, Ind., native was named to the 2022 SWAC All-Tournament Team.
Freshman guard Byron Joshua put up an additional 13 points to round out the Braves' double-digit scoring. The New Orleans, La. native, was also credited with one steal, one block, and two rebounds.
Braves forward Lenell Henry led the team in rebounding. The 6-8 Chicago native brought down a team-high seven boards and paired it with nine points, one block, and one steal.
Alcorn saw its worse shooting of the week, landing only 28.3 percent (17 of 60) from the floor, including 33.3 percent (six of 18) from beyond the arc. The Braves saw some improvement from their quarterfinal competition against Prairie View at the line, making 22 of 32 (68.8 percent).
Texas Southern hit 55.7 percent (34 of 61) of its shots from the floor with 44.4 percent (four of nine) accuracy in three-point range. The Tigers added 15 of 21 (71.4 percent) at the line to edge out the Braves. John Walker III scored 17 points, while Bryson Etienne and Joirdon Karl Nicholas led the team in rebounding with eight boards, each.
"We came in wanting to beat a physical team," Bussie said of the Tigers. "Texas Southern just wanted it more than us and were more physical than us. Coach Jones did a fantastic job getting these guys where they are, and they deserve to be in the NCAA tournament. But, I am excited and proud to see how my guys got out and fought and competed all season."
The Braves' season is not over yet. Alcorn still has a chance of making it to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), a men's basketball tournament operated by the NCAA. The Braves won their first conference regular-season title in 20 years and have a strong chance of appearing on the bracket in tomorrow's selection show. The NIT Selection Show will be Sunday, March 13 at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET. It can be viewed on ESPNU on TV and available on Watch ESPN.
For the latest on Alcorn State men's basketball, check AlcornSports.com for the latest news and scheduling information, or follow the Braves through Twitter (@BravesSports), Facebook (Alcorn State Sports), and Instagram (@AlcornSports).
