BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- With a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds, Stanford Speech led Mississippi Valley State to a 62-52 win over Alabama State Wednesday in the opening round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.
The Hornets (10-20) trailed by only four going into the intermission, but the Delta Devils (17-14) took over in the second half to seal the victory.
Tychicus Snow had 14 points for Mississippi Valley State, and Kadrian Bryant added eleven. Jefferey Price snagged 10 rebounds for the Delta Devils.
Andrew Hayles was the only double digit scorer for Alabama State, and Richard Lott grabbed eight rebounds.
The Delta Devils outrebounded the Hornets 47-32. Both teams were strong from the free throw line. Alabama State made 83.3 percent of their free throw shots, while Mississippi Valley State made 72 percent.
Mississippi Valley State will face the Alcorn State-Texas Southern winner in Friday's semifinals.