The South Western Atlantic Conference ended tournament play Sunday with number one ranked Alabama A&M Bulldogs defeating cross state rival Alabama State Hornets. The Bulldogs (18-13) came in the game as the favorites led behind one of SWAC’s leading scorers and assist men, Obie Trotter. Trotter had been named SWAC’s player of the year and defensive player of the year.
The Hornets, obvious underdogs, ended the season with at .500 (15-15) and had already suffered two losses, both less than seven points, courtesy of the Bulldogs.
The Hornets didn’t have a chance or anything positive going for them except that they were against all odds.
In the first half of play both teams seemed to struggle from the field, but when shots were made the other team would come right back and score. The Bulldogs maintained the lead but the Hornets would come right back. After the first half, Alabama State trailed 23-28. The game looked like it would end a close one.
The second half looked like a totally different game. The Bulldogs came out rejuvenated and dominated a distraught Hornets squad. During the second half the Bulldogs scored off fast breaks, the free throw line, and the three-point line. The Bulldogs had reached a 60-40 lead with 5 minutes left in the half. The game ended in a nineteen point victory for Alabama A&M.
Trotter led both teams in three statistical categories, points (24), assists (5), and steals (6) after only scoring three points in the first half and was named game MVP. After the game Trotter said “In the second half I felt good with that first shot, and my teammates started getting me the ball.”
With this win, the Bulldogs earned a bid to the opening round of the NCAA tournament. This is the Bulldog’s first tournament appearance since 1997. They will have to defeat Oakland, before entering round one in Charlotte and playing against the number one seeded University of North Carolina Tarheels.