ITTA BENA, Miss. – Falando Jones scored 25 points and Orlando Smith had 18 points and 16 rebounds as Mississippi Valley State built a big early lead and held on to defeat Alcorn State 91-83 Saturday.
The Delta Devils (10-15, 9-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) scored the game's first 12 points — seven by D'Angelo Jackson, who finished with 16 — and led by as many as 19 points before taking a 48-33 halftime edge.
The Braves (3-19, 3-9) got back into it in the second half, making 68 percent of their shots (17 of 25) to get as close as three points, 86-83, with 28 seconds left.
Will Pugh responded by making 1 of 2 free throws for the Delta Devils, then stealing the ball, drawing a foul and making two more for an 89-83 lead with 19 seconds left. Jones added two final free throws.
Jamar Ragland scored 18 points to lead Alcorn State. Marquiz Baker added 15 and Kendrick McDonald 14.
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