OXFORD, Miss. — Alcorn State men's basketball closed out nonconference play Monday night with a challenging road contest, falling 79–43 to Ole Miss at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion.
The Braves opened the game with energy and confidence, answering the opening possession and briefly building an early lead as Tycen McDaniels sparked the offense on both ends of the floor. Alcorn State attacked the paint, forced turnovers, and stayed competitive through the opening stretch before Ole Miss began to settle in. The Rebels used a late first-half run to create separation and carried a 37–25 lead into halftime.
McDaniels led the Braves with 17 points, six rebounds and four steals, continuing to be a steady presence in the backcourt. Shane Lancaster added seven points and three rebounds, while Nick Woodard contributed five points, five rebounds and three assists. Jameel Morris chipped in five points and two assists, and Omari Hamilton posted five points, five rebounds and three assists while battling inside against Ole Miss' size.
Ole Miss pulled away in the second half by controlling the glass and converting second-chance opportunities. The Rebels finished with a 53–28 rebounding advantage and scored 36 points in the paint. Alcorn State continued to compete defensively, forcing 14 turnovers and recording six steals, but struggled to find a rhythm offensively as Ole Miss extended the margin.
Despite the final score, the night provided valuable experience for the Braves against a physical SEC opponent. Alcorn State showed flashes of toughness and discipline, particularly early, while leaning on its defensive pressure and free-throw shooting, converting 11-of-15 attempts from the line.
With nonconference play complete, Alcorn State now turns the page to league action. The Braves open Southwestern Athletic Conference play on Saturday, Jan. 3, traveling to Jackson State to begin the conference slate.
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