LORMAN, Miss. – It was a big night for Braves men's basketball as the team clinched the 2021-22 Southwestern Athletic Conference Regular Season title, honored its seniors during senior night, and scored 100 points for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Alcorn State grabbed the regular-season title for the first time in 20 years, defeating the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff 100-77 inside the Davey L. Whitney Complex Saturday afternoon. The Braves will enter the SWAC Championship Tournament as the No. 1 seed, facing the yet to be determined eighth seed in the quarterfinal round in Birmingham, Ala.
"It feels absolutely amazing to have the opportunity to coach these young men," said head coach Landon Bussie as his team is crowned regular-season champs in his second year over the program. "I'm so proud and so humbled by the direction this team is going."
Five players for Alcorn State hit in the double-figures in Saturday's contest. Keondre Montgomery came off the bench to put up 21 points to lead the Braves in the effort. The Jackson, Miss. native went 7-for-10 from the field, including 5-of-6 in three-point range. He added two points at the free-throw line and brought down five boards.
Justin Thomas had his first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 assists. Lenell Henry had 17 points and led the team in rebounding with nine boards. Byron Joshua scored 15 points, and Darrious Agnew added 14 to round out the Brave's double-digit scoring.
The Braves made 41 of 63 from the floor, including nine of 17 from beyond the arch. In the first half alone, Alcorn State was shooting 80.6 percent (25 of 31) from the field, with six of eight (75.0 percent) landing from three-point range. At the line, the Braves added nine points on 17 attempts.
Freshman guard Kylen Milton led UAPB to score a game-high and a career-high of 42 points. The Golden Lions hit 23 of 62 (37.1 percent) from the floor, with 12 of 31 (38.7 percent) landing for three points. They also added 19 of 27 (70.4 percent) at the line.
The Braves won the tip-off and dominated the first ten minutes to land 90 percent of their shot attempts. In the opening minutes, Alcorn went on a quick run to lead 18-5 at the 13-minute mark.
Montgomery and Henry found success behind the arc to aid the Braves in another scoring run, and Alcorn would lead by 32 points, its largest of the contest, with just 2:49 seconds left before the break, 61-31.
After the Golden Lions' three-pointer and back-to-back free throws, the Braves entered halftime with a 63-36 advantage.
In the second half, Alcorn's shots were not hitting as successfully as they had in the first period. Arkansas Pine Bluff was able to chip away at the Braves lead slowly. The closest the Golden Lions would get within 18 points, 95-77, with 1:11 left to play.
Thomas hit a two-point jumper for the Braves, Montgomery landed for three during the final minute, and Alcorn State University took the 100-77 victory over UAPB.
"We were very dominate for the full 40 minutes," continued Bussie as he discussed the night's victory. "We fought the whole game with energy and composure and I'm proud of my seniors who deserve to go out in the right way."
Before Saturday's contest, three student-athletes and the Braves student manager were recognized for their contributions to the Alcorn State men's basketball program. Manager Kiara Magee, graduate Lenell Henry, graduate Darrious Agnew, and graduate Justin Thomas were all honored during the team's final home game.
The No. 1 Braves will be back in action on Wednesday, March 9, as they face the No. 8 seed in the quarterfinal round of the SWAC Championship tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. and will air live on 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).
