The Alabama State University Hornets men’s basketball team dropped their third straight game to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions 80-74 at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on Feb. 17 in Montgomery, Alabama. The Hornets were knocked out of contention for the SWAC (Southwestern Athletics Conference) playoffs, as they are tied in seventh place in the SWAC standings with only six games remaining.
Ubong Okon, a center for the Hornets, recorded his career double-double, scoring 11 points along with 12 rebounds. Guards T.J. Madlock and Micah Octave both put up 11 points. The Golden Lions guard Rashad Williams led the team in points with 33, six rebounds and two steals. Kylen Milton recorded a double-double with 11 points and rebounds.
The score was tied up 11-11 early in the first half. The Hornets went on a 5-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer from guard Sean Smith.
The Golden Lions tied the score back up 23-23 when guard Lonnell Martin Jr. drove into the paint and hit a floater.
With five minutes left in the first half, the Golden Lions began to pull away from the Hornets. Golden Lions forward Robert Lewis converted two free throws, and guard Rashad Williams’ layup made the score 36-31, with the momentum now on the Golden Lions’ side.
Okon scored a basket in the paint and was fouled. He converted the free throw. Martin nailed a 2-pointer before the Golden Lions headed into halftime up 41-39.
Octave got the Hornets rolling in the second half with a 3-pointer.
Hornets guard Amarr Knox’s 3-pointer narrowed the deficit to just three, as the score was 54-51 with 13:28 left in the second half. Madlock got sent to the free-throw line after getting fouled. He converted both free throws, tying the score up 56-56.
William’s 3-pointer forced the Hornets to call a timeout as they trailed by six points with under nine minutes to go.
The Hornets would go cold, missing their next three shots. The Golden Lions took advantage and proceeded to go on an 8-2 run.
Williams made another 3-pointer, but this time he was fouled in the process by Hornet guard Kendal Parker, giving him an opportunity at a 4-point play.
The Golden Lions had a comfortable 10-point lead. With 1:11 remaining in the game, free throws by Hornet guard C.J. Hines cut the deficit to six.
After the timeout break by the Golden Lions, Parker made a contested layup, making the score 76-72.
Williams was fouled by Maddlock while attempting a jumper. He made both free throws. Hornets guard Isaiah Range, who was held to only six points, missed his 3-point attempt.
Williams grabbed the defensive rebound and was once again fouled. He converted the free throws as the game was now out of reach for the Hornets with only 18 seconds remaining.