Alabama State beats Grambling, wins SWAC, NCAA bid

Grambling State guard Rupert Rose (21) drives against Alabama State’s Jeffery Middlebrooks (4) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game during the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship, Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Garland, Texas.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Alabama State forward Shareif Adamu (3) looks for an opening against Grambling State’s Justin Patton (11) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game during the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship, Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Garland, Texas.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Grambling State head coach Bobby Washington, left, instructs Rupert Rose (21) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama State during the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship, Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Garland, Texas.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Grambling State guard Justin Patton (11) attempts a shot against Alabama State forward Shareif Adamu (3) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game during the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship, Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Garland, Texas.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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GARLAND, Texas — Tremayne Moorer scored 14 points and Tramaine Butler added 13, lifting Alabama State to a 65-48 victory over Grambling on Saturday night to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.

The Hornets are sure to be a low seed considering they are only 17-17. At least they have momentum going for them — they were 6-16 at the start of February, but head into the tournament on an 11-1 run. This victory avenged their only loss in their recent spurt, a one-pointer on the road in the regular-season finale.

Grambling (12-21) reached the SWAC tournament finals for the first time on a big roll of its own, winning nine of 11. The sixth-seeded Tigers led 28-26 at halftime, then fell apart.

Alabama State opened the second half with a 28-4 run, including a 14-0 stretch. They are headed to the tournament for the fourth time.

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