Saturday, March 15, 2008

Alabama State's NCAA hopes dashed by Jackson State; ASU prepares for NIT

Photo: Alabama State University Hornets head coach Lewis Jackson falls short winning the SWAC tournament championship and NCAA tournament slot.

BIRMINGHAM -- After a dominating regular season that saw Alabama State lose just three times in conference play, most figured the SWAC tournament was a mere formality. For the Hornets to falter in Birmingham, it would take a perfect storm of bad luck, bad play and bad calls.

The storm hit Friday night.

ASU committed 16 turnovers, never looked in sync offensively, rarely got a loose ball or good roll and had close call after close call go against them. Fourth-seeded Jackson State knocked off Hornets in overtime, 77-72.

"Our offense wasn't running smooth all night," ASU head coach Lewis Jackson said. "I thought we settled for jump shots too much and allowed them to take away our inside game. They were more aggressive than us. Down the stretch, they fought harder for it."

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That's the way the ball bounces--on any given Friday anyone can get upset if they don't bring their 'A' game, as the Hornets didn't. Too bad that the representative from the SWAC will probably have to play in the dreaded play-in game for the 65th slot in the NCAA tournament.

Congratulations to Mississippi Vally State University (16-15) and Jackson State University (14-19) as they battle today for the SWAC championship and NCAA automatic position.

Congratulations to Alabama State University Hornets for a 20-10 season and the possibility of receiving a consolation prize of an NIT berth.

-beepbeep

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