BATON ROUGE, LA – Alcorn State men's basketball put up a valiant fight but fell 74-69 in a tightly contested SWAC battle against Southern University on Saturday evening at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The Braves led at halftime and traded leads 22 times throughout the game before Southern pulled away in the final minutes.
Keionte Cornelius led Alcorn with 15 points, hitting four three-pointers to keep the Braves in contention.
Djahi Binet recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while also contributing a block.
Marcus Tankersley added 13 points and five rebounds, providing key baskets in crucial moments. The Braves shot 41.4% from the field and forced 15 turnovers, but
Southern's ability to get to the free-throw line and convert proved to be the difference.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Alcorn 39, Southern 37
- The game opened with back-and-forth action as both teams found early offensive rhythm.
- Alcorn took a 10-4 lead behind a three-pointer from Davian Williams and a transition layup by Tankersley.
- Cornelius caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting three first-half three-pointers, helping Alcorn maintain its edge.
- Binet's inside presence was crucial, as he tallied seven points and five rebounds in the first half.
- Southern managed to keep the game close with strong inside play, but Alcorn held a two-point lead at the break.
Second Half – Southern 74, Alcorn 69
- Southern opened the half with a quick 6-0 run to take the lead, but Alcorn responded with a three-pointer from Julian Lual to regain control.
- The Braves' defense forced multiple turnovers, but Southern capitalized at the free-throw line, going 13-for-15 in the second half.
- Cornelius nailed a deep three to tie the game at 68 with under two minutes to play.
- Southern's Andre Nunley answered with a clutch three-pointer, followed by two free throws to give the Jaguars a five-point cushion with nine seconds remaining.
- A last-second three-pointer from Cornelius missed, and Southern sealed the win at the line.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 15 – Keionte Cornelius led Alcorn in scoring with 15 points, including four three-pointers.
- 13 & 10 – Djahi Binet posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
- 22 – The game saw 22 lead changes in a tightly contested battle.
- 66.7% – The Braves shot 12-of-18 from the free-throw line, compared to Southern's 26-of-35.
UP NEXT
The Braves (4-16, 4-4 SWAC) remain on the road to face Grambling State on Monday, February 3. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CST.
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