Hinson scores 21, Pitt rallies past Alabama St. in 2nd half

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Blake Hinson scored 21 points and Pittsburgh needed a big second-half effort to turn back Alabama State, defeating the Hornets 73-54 on Sunday.

After trailing 34-31 at halftime, the Panthers (2-3) responded with a 42-point second half in which they shot 51.7% from the field, made seven 3-pointers, and held Alabama State to 20 points. Backup guard Nike Sibande scored 11 points in the second half. Pittsburgh had shot 33.3% and missed 12 of 15 3-pointers in the first half.

Hinson was the only starter in double figures for the Panthers. Sibande finished with 17 points and John Hugley added 10 off the bench. The Panthers had 31 bench points overall.

Antoni Madlock had 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead Alabama State (0-5) and Isaiah Range scored 10.

Alabama State clung to its halftime lead until Pitt's Jorge Diaz Graham had an offensive rebound and follow-up basket for a 37-36 lead with 15:47 remaining. He added a 3-pointer on Pitt's next possession and the Panthers led 48-36 by the time Sibande hit a layup with 12:10 to go.

Alabama State scored four points from 18:12 to 8:28 of the second half. The Hornets shot 24.3% in the second half and missed 12 of 13 3-pointers.

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