ASU Hornets overcome sluggish start and Bahamas heat to pull out victory

NASSAU, Bahamas | Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson was genuinely concerned following Wednesday night's contest in the Bahamas as to how his team would react less than 24 hours later when they faced the Bahamas All-Stars.

The concern lingered until the fourth quarter when Alabama State was able to pull away down the stretch with some key free throws, pulling out a 97-88 victory over a pesky All-Star team at the Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium Thursday night.  Reginald Gee paced three players in double figures for the Hornets with 19 points, including hitting on 10-of-11 free throws, while Tobi Ewuosho added 18. Branden Johnson chipped in with 14, with 10 of his coming in the second half, while Kevin Holston added nine in the win.

Alabama State took an early lead, before the Bahamas All-Stars came back and actually took a lead in the second half, before the Hornets used an 82.9 (29-of-35) percent night at the free throw line to pull away. Therrell Gosier II hit five of six free throws down the stretch, and Gene Davis connected on all five his opportunities to help the Hornets at the line.

The Hornets were tied for much of the contest and found a little breathing room coming out in the third quarter when Tobi Ewuosho followed up a miss from the outside, soaring through three defenders for a follow-up dunk that brought all the fans in the arena to their feet - including non-Alabama State fans. Alabama State built off that momentum to take a six-point lead until the All-Stars stormed back and took a one-point lead midway through the third quarter.

Gee came off the bench in that quarter and scored six of his 19 points to help push Alabama State out to the lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the way. Ewuosho added 16 of his 18 points in the second half to help lead the Hornets.

Alabama State converted on 12-of-14 free throws in the second half to help the seal the win.

Prior to the contest, the Hornets were able to explore the Melia Nassau Resort - their home through Saturday night - which included the beach and pools. The team was able to get on their own during the day until they came together for a meal at The Grille located inside the resort before heading to the arena for the contest.

They will have an off day Friday, heading as a team into downtown Nassau to explore the city and learn more of the culture of the Bahamas as they continue their international tour. The team will return to action Saturday night against the CTG Knights, as they share the island with Notre Dame and Kentucky this week, as they tip at 7 pm inside Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium for their final game.

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