GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State put together a dominant second-half performance to pull away from Alabama State and secure a 57-47 SWAC victory Saturday afternoon at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

GSU improved to 11-11 overall and 5-4 in the SWAC, while ASU dropped to 7-16 and 4-6 in conference. 

After a slow start offensively, the Tigers flipped the script after halftime, outscoring the Hornets 39-26 in the second half to improve to 11-11 overall and 5-4 in conference play. Alabama State led 21-18 at the break before Grambling State erupted for one of its most efficient halves of the season, shooting 61.9 percent from the field and 53.3 percent from three-point range in the final 20 minutes. 

GSU's surge was fueled by Roderick Coffee III, who led all scorers with 24 points while knocking down four three-pointers and grabbing 10 rebounds for a double-double effort. Coffee scored in a variety of ways in the second half, including key baskets in the paint and timely perimeter shooting as the Tigers seized control of the contest. 

Rickey Ballard provided a major spark from the perimeter, finishing with 14 points and connecting on four three-pointers. Ballard caught fire during the second half, drilling multiple triples during a decisive run that pushed Grambling State into a double-digit lead and swung momentum firmly in the Tigers' favor. 

Derrius Ward added seven points and three assists, while Devyn Franklin chipped in five points and nine rebounds, helping anchor the Tigers on the glass. Jamil Muttilib contributed two points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, giving Grambling a strong defensive presence in the paint. 

The Tigers' defense tightened up after the break, holding Alabama State to 29.4 percent shooting in the second half. GSU also controlled the boards, finishing with a 40-34 rebounding advantage and limiting second-chance opportunities during their second-half surge. 

After trading baskets early in the second half, Grambling State used a decisive stretch midway through the period to build separation. Back-to-back three-pointers by Ballard and Coffee sparked a run that pushed the Tigers in front by double figures, and they maintained control down the stretch with timely stops and efficient offense.

UP NEXT 
Grambling State hosts Alabama A&M on Monday night at the Hobdy Center. Tip-off is scheduled for  6:30 p.m. The game will be streamed on SWAC TV. 

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