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BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (Ticker) -- Marcus Fleming scored 20 points as Alcorn State earned it first Southwestern Athletic Conference title in four years with a 70-67 victory over Alabama State. The Braves (20-9) last won the tournament in 1999 and survived a stiff challenge from the Hornets. They have won seven SWAC tournament championships. "It was a heck of a ball game," Alcorn State Davey Whitney said. "We are just so happy to get there." Freshman Lee Cook scored 16 points off the bench and Jeff Cammon added 11 points for Alcorn State, which shot 48 percent (28-of-58). The Braves overcame 16 turnovers. "Lee Cook down low, he is difficult to stop," Whitney said. "He hit some free throws down the stretch." Cammon's foul shot gave the Braves a 70-67 lead and Alabama State had one last chance to tie. But Keith Gamble's 3-pointer was off the mark. "We wanted to get the shot off," Alabama State coach Rob Spivery said. "Keith did a good job of catching the ball and he got a good look at it but it didn't fall." Joey Ball scored 23 points for Alabama State, the defending tournament champions. The Hornets were outrebounded, 36-25, and made just 2-of-8 from beyond the arc. Alabama State's starting forward combo of Gamble and Tyrone Levett combined to make just 9-of-29 shots for 24 points total. The Hornets held a 32-29 halftime lead. |
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