GRAMBLING, LA – Alcorn State men's basketball put together a strong defensive performance and secured a crucial 60-53 road victory over Grambling State on Monday night at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. The win improves the Braves record to 5-4 in SWAC play.
Keionte Cornelius led the Braves with 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt added 10 points and two steals.
Michael Pajeaud was dominant in the paint, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Djahi Binet provided a solid inside presence, finishing with seven points and six rebounds. Alcorn's defense proved to be the difference, forcing Grambling into 36.5% shooting from the field and just 23.8% from beyond the arc.
The Braves built an early lead and maintained control throughout the game, fending off Grambling's comeback attempts in the second half.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Alcorn 34, Grambling 24
- The Braves came out aggressive, scoring the game's first four points and setting the defensive tone early.
- Cornelius drained three first-half three-pointers to help extend Alcorn's lead to double digits.
- Pajeaud controlled the boards, securing six rebounds and providing key second-chance opportunities.
- Grambling struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 37.5% from the field in the first half.
- Alcorn entered the break with a 10-point lead after shooting 50% from the floor.
Second Half – Alcorn 60, Grambling 53
- Grambling came out strong after halftime, cutting Alcorn's lead to five with an 8-3 run.
- The Braves responded with back-to-back baskets from Gaines-Wyatt and Cornelius to push the lead back to nine.
- Grambling made another late push, closing the gap to 54-53 with under two minutes to play, but Alcorn's defense stepped up with a pair of critical stops.
- Pajeaud sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting two clutch free throws with 50 seconds remaining.
- Tankersley added two more free throws in the closing seconds to ice the victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 14 – Keionte Cornelius led all scorers for Alcorn with 14 points, including four three-pointers.
- 7 – Michael Pajeaud grabbed seven rebounds and hit key free throws down the stretch.
- 10 – The Braves' defense forced 10 steals, creating transition opportunities.
- 26 – Alcorn's bench played a major role, scoring 26 points.
UP NEXT
The Braves (5-16, 5-4 SWAC) return home to take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, February 8. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CST at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex.
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