LORMAN – Alcorn State men's basketball put together a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, rolling past Prairie View A&M 71-55 at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex. The Braves (9-18, 9-6 SWAC) secured their ninth conference win with a strong first-half effort and balanced scoring attack.
Marcus Tankersley and Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt led Alcorn with 15 points each, with Gaines-Wyatt adding five rebounds and six assists.
Michael Pajeaud was a force inside, contributing 13 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, while
Djahi Binet provided 11 points and seven rebounds. The Braves shot 51.9% from the field and controlled the glass, outrebounding Prairie View 34-31.
Alcorn set the tone early with a fast-paced offensive attack, building a 15-point halftime lead. The Braves never trailed in the game, holding Prairie View (5-24, 4-12 SWAC) to just 35.8% shooting from the field and forcing 11 turnovers.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Alcorn 42, Prairie View 27
- The Braves jumped out to an early 11-4 lead behind quick buckets from Tankersley and Gaines-Wyatt.
- Pajeaud dominated the interior, scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds before halftime.
- Alcorn shot 54.8% from the field in the first half while limiting Prairie View to just 39.1% shooting.
- The Braves forced six turnovers and converted them into 11 points to take a comfortable lead into the break.
Second Half – Alcorn 71, Prairie View 55
- Prairie View attempted to cut into the deficit, but Alcorn responded with key baskets from Gaines-Wyatt and Binet.
- The Braves maintained a double-digit lead throughout the half, thanks to their efficient offense.
- Alcorn's defense tightened late, holding Prairie View to just 1-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc in the final period.
- Free throws down the stretch from Tankersley and Pajeaud sealed the win for the Braves.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 15 & 6 – Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt recorded 15 points and six assists, controlling the tempo for Alcorn.
- 13 & 9 – Michael Pajeaud nearly posted a double-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks.
- 51.9% – The Braves shot 51.9% from the field, capitalizing on efficient ball movement.
- 11 – Alcorn forced 11 turnovers, leading to 11 points off takeaways.
- 26 – The Braves controlled the paint, outscoring Prairie View 26-18 inside.
UP NEXT
Alcorn State (9-18, 9-6 SWAC) will look to build on its momentum as they host Texas Southern on Monday, March 3, at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CST.
