LORMAN – Alcorn State men's basketball claimed its first victory of the season and first SWAC win with a commanding 62-52 triumph over Alabama A&M on Saturday afternoon at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex.
Djahi Binet led the way for the Braves with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Marcus Tankersley added 14 points and three rebounds, while
Julian Lual contributed nine points and a key three-pointer in the second half to spark Alcorn's run.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Alabama A&M 30, Alcorn 25
- The game began as a back-and-forth battle, with Marcus Tankersley and Djahi Binet scoring early to keep the Braves within striking distance.
- Alabama A&M's Saliou Seye dominated in the paint, contributing 12 points in the half to help the Bulldogs take a five-point lead into the break.
- Alcorn forced several turnovers but struggled to capitalize, shooting just 38.5% from the field in the first half.
Second Half – Alcorn 62, Alabama A&M 52
- The Braves came out with renewed energy, opening the half on a 10-3 run led by Tankersley's aggressive drives to the basket.
- Julian Lual's three-pointer at the 18:53 mark cut the deficit to four, and a fast-break layup by Binet gave Alcorn its first lead of the game with 16:19 left.
- The Braves dominated the glass, with Binet grabbing four offensive rebounds that led to eight second-chance points.
- Alcorn's defense stepped up in crunch time, holding Alabama A&M to just 33% shooting in the second half and converting key free throws to secure the win.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 16 – Djahi Binet led the Braves with 16 points and added nine rebounds for a near double-double performance.
- 42 – Alcorn scored 42 points in the paint, outmuscling Alabama A&M inside.
- 21 – The Braves forced 21 turnovers, leading to 19 fast-break points.
- 76.5% – Alcorn shot an efficient 13-for-17 from the free-throw line.
UP NEXT
The Braves (1-13, 1-1 SWAC) will look to continue their momentum as they host SWAC foe Alabama State on Monday, January 13. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CST at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex.
