Grambling, LA --- The Grambling State Tigers basketball team returned home and struggled through a rough outing in a, 70-55, loss to the Hornets of Alabama State in their Southwestern Athletic Conference opener.

 

Grambling never got into a rhythm as they fell behind and trailed from the opening tip. Down 14-6 the Tigers put together a short spurt midway through the opening period to tie the score at 15 and again at 19 with 3:48 remaining, but fell to score again in the half as the Hornets went on a 14-0 run to end the period.

 

Grambling's Donald Qualls led all scorers with 24 points. He also had four assists and two rebounds and steals; while Lance Fuertado posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

 

Byron Walker came off of the bench to lead the Hornets in scoring with 20 points. Tramaine Butler added 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals and blocked shots.

 

The Tigers (2-7, 0-1 SWAC) will return to action Wednesday night when they host the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at 7:30 pm in GSU's Assembly Center.