Grambling, LA--- Grambling State's Lance Fuertado layup with 2:13 remaining in overtime put the Tigers up for good as they held on to defeat the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M 64-62 to stake their first Southwestern Athletic Conference win.
Grambling jumped out to an early lead, 12-2, as they held the Bulldogs scoreless until the 17:04 mark. The Tigers maintained their dominance in the first half and eventually held a, 31-20, lead at the half.
In the second half AAMU took full advantage of their 31 trips to the charity stripe knocking down 10 huge free throws en route to outscoring Grambling 38-37 in the period and forcing a 58-58 tie and an overtime period.
Fuertado notched a double- double as he put up 22 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists. Kevin Lloyd turned in 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds; while Donald Qualls added 11 points, four assists, and two assists. George Akpele had eight points and 14 rebounds.
For the Bulldogs, Cornelius Hester had 17 points and three rebounds. Casey Cantey chipped in 16 points and five rebounds while Evan Hilton and Jonathan Inman had 13 and 14 points respectively.
The Tigers will return to action again when they travel to Baton Rouge, LA to take on rival Southern University on Saturday, January 9th. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm.
-GSU-