The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Tarleton State Rallies Past Alcorn State for 73-69 Victory
By Piper Rampage
Photo: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State overcame a first-half deficit and held off a late Alcorn State push to earn a 73-69 victory on Nov. 13 at EECU Center. The win moved the Texans to 4-1 in the first-ever meeting between the teams, while Alcorn State fell to 0-4.
Alcorn State led throughout the first half, taking a 33-29 advantage into the break. Tarleton State scored 44 points after halftime, compared with 36 for the Braves, and turned the game around early in the second period.
The Texans took their first lead at 36-35 on a three-pointer by Franck Emmou. Emmou finished with 17 points to lead Tarleton State. Trey Harris added 15 points and four rebounds, while Josh Hayes recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Tarleton State also held a 41-39 rebounding advantage. The narrow margin on the boards accompanied a second-half scoring edge that allowed the Texans to overcome their first-half deficit and take control.
The finish remained unsettled in the final minute. Cope’s free throws gave Tarleton State a four-point lead, but Trey Thomas answered for Alcorn State with a 30-foot three-pointer, cutting the margin to 70-69 with 44 seconds remaining.
Hayes responded with a putback to extend the Texans’ advantage. Harris then made a free throw to help seal the 73-69 result. Tarleton State’s late scoring held off the Braves after Thomas had brought Alcorn State within one.
The teams entered the game for their first-ever meeting, and the contest featured a reversal from the opening half to the second. Alcorn State had the lead at halftime after scoring 33 points, but Tarleton State’s 44-point second half proved enough to secure the victory.
Emmou’s three-pointer to put the Texans ahead marked the first time Tarleton State led, and the team maintained the advantage through the closing stretch. Harris and Hayes supplied the final points needed to finish the comeback.
Tarleton State improved to 4-1 with the 73-69 home win, while Alcorn State remained winless at 0-4.
Piper Rampage
Men’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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