STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Despite a game-high 24 points from Trey Thomas and a four-point halftime advantage, Alcorn State men's basketball came up just short in a 73-69 loss to Tarleton State on Friday night inside the EECU Center.

The Braves (0-4) controlled much of the opening half and battled through a back-and-forth second period that featured five lead changes before the Texans (3-1) pulled away in the closing seconds.

Trey Thomas led Alcorn with 24 points, shooting 9-of-26 from the field, including three three-pointers, while adding three steals. Calvin Sirmans III followed with 10 points, five assists and a game-high four steals. Saxby Sunderlandcontributed eight points off the bench, while Braylhan Thomas and Ethan Griffin added seven points apiece. Griffin also recorded three blocks and two steals, while Bobby Cannon finished with six points and a team-high six rebounds.

Tarleton State was led by Franck Emmou with 17 points, followed by Trey Harris with 15. Josh Hayes recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds while adding five blocks.

FIRST HALF

Alcorn wasted little time establishing its offensive rhythm as Trey Thomas connected on a three-pointer just 22 seconds into the contest. After Tarleton State tied the game at 3-3, the Braves responded with an 8-0 run, highlighted by consecutive baskets from Ma'Kye Taylor and a pair of free throws from Thomas, to build an 11-3 advantage.

The Braves extended their lead to double digits at 16-6 following a fast-break layup from Braylhan Thomas with 10:38 remaining. Alcorn continued to maintain control behind strong defensive pressure and transition opportunities.

Tarleton State trimmed the deficit to four at 21-17 with 7:18 remaining, but the Braves answered with a 5-1 run, capped by a Jahseem Felton layup, to push the advantage back to 26-18.

A three-pointer from Trey Thomas with 3:32 remaining extended Alcorn's lead to 29-21 before the Texans mounted a late response. Tarleton State used a 6-0 run to cut the margin to 31-29 with just over a minute remaining.

Cannon provided a timely offensive rebound and putback with 37 seconds left, sending Alcorn into the locker room holding a 33-29 advantage.

SECOND HALF

Tarleton State opened the second half with increased offensive pressure, taking its first lead of the contest at 36-35 on a three-pointer from Emmou with 17:33 remaining.

The teams exchanged baskets during a competitive stretch before the Texans used a 7-2 run to establish a 45-40 advantage.

Alcorn refused to back down, responding with a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to two midway through the half.

With Tarleton State holding a six-point advantage at 6:32, the Braves mounted another rally, using an 8-2 run to tie the contest at 61-61. Alcorn extended the surge to 10-2 behind two free throws to reclaim a 63-61 lead.

The Texans answered in the final minutes, and the teams continued trading baskets before Tarleton State broke a 66-66 tie with just over a minute remaining.

Trailing 70-66 in the final minute, Trey Thomas delivered a deep three-pointer with 44 seconds remaining to bring Alcorn within one, 70-69.

However, Hayes answered with a putback basket on Tarleton State's ensuing possession, and Harris added a late free throw to secure the 73-69 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

Alcorn shot 40 percent (26-of-65) from the field, including 27.3 percent (6-of-22) from beyond the arc, while converting 11-of-16 free throws (68.8 percent).

The Braves held advantages in fast-break points (20-9), second-chance points (16-8) and bench scoring (28-25). Alcorn also collected nine steals and recorded 36 points in the paint.

Tarleton State finished shooting 45.3 percent (29-of-64) from the field and held a narrow 41-39 rebounding advantage.

The contest featured six ties and five lead changes, with Tarleton State outscoring Alcorn 44-36 in the second half to overcome the Braves' four-point halftime lead. 

UP NEXT

Alcorn State continues its road trip on Monday, Nov. 16, when the Braves travel to College Park, Md., to face the University of Maryland. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.