ESPN Men's Basketball

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Joshua Freelove scored 17 points and Bobby Brown had 13 as Alabama State won its third straight game, beating Grambling State 69-56 Friday in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

Stephawn Brown added 10 points and a game-high seven rebounds for Alabama State (4-11, 2-0).

The Hornets led 16-6 after a Bobby Brown layup and took a 40-21 advantage into intermission after the 6-foot-6 freshman closed the half with a layup and 3-pointer on consecutive possessions.

Alabama State opened the second half on a 15-4 run to jump ahead 55-25 with 14:23 left to play. Bobby Brown capped the run with a dunk.

Alabama State shot 41.8 percent (23 of 55), compared to 37.7 percent (20 of 53) for Grambling State, and forced 18 turnovers on the strength of 11 steals.

Terry Rose had 13 for Grambling State. The Tigers, losers of 11 straight, also started the 2007-08 and 2011-12 seasons 0-11.