Tramaine Butler scored 20 points in his first game after returning from injury and Alabama State defeated Kennesaw State 74-59 Saturday night for its first victory of the season.
The Hornets (1-3) trailed 17-9 early, then went on an 18-9 run. Leading 33-26 at halftime, Alabama State then shot 51.9 percent (14 of 27) in the second half, which was part of the Global Sports Hy-Vee Challenge.
Kennesaw State (2-2) got within four points on four occasions in the second half, the last at 53-49 with 9:51 to go. Robert Sanders answered with two straight layups for the Hornets.
Butler, who played 26 minutes, did not allow Alabama State to disclose his injury. He was 8 for 15 from the field. Ivan Johnson added 13 points for the Hornets.
Spencer Dixon scored 23 points to lead Kennesaw State, which has lost two straight since stunning Georgia Tech 80-63 on Nov. 15.
