Braves not worried about last year, moving on

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Alcorn State wasn't worried about last year. The Braves were too busy thinking about a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Marcus Fleming had 20 points and eight rebounds to lead Alcorn State to a 70-67 victory over Alabama State in the championship game of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament Saturday night.

The win gave the Braves (21-9) their first SWAC title since 1999 and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Alabama State beat the Braves in the SWAC championship game last season.

"You make your own fortune," said coach Davey Whitney, in his 26th season at Alcorn State. "We forgot about last year. That game was not even in the picture at the beginning of the season."

It will be the sixth NCAA appearance for Alcorn State under Whitney.

Jeff Cammon's free throw with 4 seconds left extended Alcorn State's lead to three. Alabama State (19-13) had a chance to tie, but Keith Gamble missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Alcorn State came back from a 32-29 halftime deficit after Alabama State shot 52 percent in the first half. The Braves shot 70 percent after the break.

"Alcorn has been here before and that experience was key for them," Alabama State coach Rob Spivery said.

Lee Cook scored 16 points for the Braves, and Cammon added 11.

Joey Ball led the Hornets with 23 points. Gamble added 13, and Tyrone Levett and Malcolm Campbell each had 11.

Levett also grabbed nine rebounds.

Alcorn State outrebounded Alabama State 43-29.