Philip Crawford scored 16 points and Jeff Middlebrooks added 13 to lead Alabama State over Grambling State 73-62 on Tuesday night in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
Tramaine Butler added 11 points and Ivory White and Ryan Watts had 10 each for the Hornets (4-9), who won their first road game and first back-to-back games of the season.
The Hornets shot 57.7 percent in the second half (15 of 26), and built their lead to as many as 16 points, 43-59, with 7:41 remaining.
Alabama State turned the ball over just eight times, while forcing 16 miscues by the Tigers (1-10).
The Hornets also had their best game of the season at the free-throw line, knocking down 19 of 23.
Quincy Roberts led the Tigers, who trailed 30-25 at halftime, with 33 points.
