Montgomery, AL --- The Grambling State Tigers dropped a tough one tonight, 81-76, to the Hornets of Alabama State.

 

The excitement began from the opening tip. The Tigers spotted ASU a 9-3 lead at the 17:09 mark before surging forth and taking an 11-9 lead with just under 15-minutes to go.  The Tigers would extend their led to 23-12 but ASU would chip away at the lead and force an eventually 37-37 tie at the half on a Menji Mundadi three-point basket at the buzzer. Grambling blazed the nets from behind the arc where they shot 8-of-12 from three point range and also dominated the boards holding a 17-11 edge in rebounds. Grambling shot 44-percent overall from the field, while the Hornets made 54-percent of their shots.

 

I n the second half the Tigers came out lethargic allowing the Hornets to open a 64-51lead with 7:36 remaining. Grambling would once again post a late game comeback but would come no closer than 79-76 with 13-seconds remaining.

 

The Tigers were led by Lance Fuertado's double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Rupert Rose led the Tigers in scoring with 19 points, while Donald Qualls also added18 points.

 

For the Hornets Tramayne Moorer turned in 21 points and 15 rebounds while Menji Mundadi added 21 points and five rebounds.

 

Grambling will wrap up their regular season Saturday night as they travel over to Huntsville to face the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M.