Andrew Hayles scored 16 points to lead Alabama State to a 63-55 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament semifinal on Friday night. The top-seeded Hornets (21-9) led throughout, and advanced to play second-seeded Jackson State today for the tournament title and the SWAC's automatic NCAA bid. The teams split their regular-season games. Both Alabama State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (13-18) shot poorly - the Hornets were 21 of 62 (33.9 percent) and the Golden Lions were 20 of 70 (28.6 percent) - but Alabama State jumped out to a 10-0 lead and led by 18 with 14:01 left in the second half. Alabama State's Chief Kickingstallionsims had eight points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Lebaron Weathers scored 13 points and had nine rebounds for fourth-seeded Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Gavin Montgomery added 12 points.
