MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Jamil Muttilib poured in a game-high 27 points and Grambling State erased a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Alabama State, 65-63, on Wednesday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
Grambling State (14-18 overall, 8-11 SWAC) used a strong second-half surge and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch to complete the comeback after trailing 36-27 at the break.
Muttilib led the Tigers with 27 points on 9-of-20 shooting, including 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, while adding five rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes. Roderick Coffee III provided a strong all-around effort with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, going 8-of-10 at the free-throw line.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-of-30 from three-point range, GSU found ways to generate offense in the paint and at the free-throw line. The Tigers scored 34 points in the paint and converted 16-of-19 free throws, including 13-of-15 in the second half.
Alabama State (10-22, 7-12 SWAC) built its halftime lead behind efficient shooting in the opening period, hitting 13-of-31 from the field and five three-pointers. The Hornets extended their advantage to as many as nine points late in the first half before taking the 36-27 lead into the locker room.
Grambling State began chipping away early in the second half as Muttilib knocked down a three-pointer and Coffee followed with a basket inside to trim the deficit. The Tigers continued to apply pressure defensively and slowly closed the gap, using a combination of free throws and second-chance opportunities to stay within striking distance.
Coffee's three-pointer midway through the second half helped pull GSU within five, and the Tigers continued to battle as the game featured 10 ties and 10 lead changes.
Grambling State's defense tightened late, holding Alabama State to just 9-of-28 shooting in the second half and limiting the Hornets to one three-pointer after halftime.
Mekhi Fitts added four points and a team-high seven rebounds off the bench for the Tigers, while Devyn Franklin contributed five points and four rebounds. Derrius Ward chipped in five rebounds and five assists.
Alabama State was led by Micah Simpson with 15 points, while Jerquarius Stanback added 11 points and nine rebounds. Tyler Byrd recorded eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Grambling State finished the game shooting 34.9 percent (22-of-63) from the field and outrebounded Alabama State 39-43. The Tigers also forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 15 points.
UP NEXT
Grambling State gears up for the 2026 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament next week at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, Ga. All tournament games will be streamed on SWAC TV.
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