Randy McClure picked a great time to have his best scoring game of the season. The sophomore guard poured in 27 points to lead the Golden Rams past the Thoroughbreds in the opening round of the SIAC tournament.
The first half was a closely contested back-and-forth affair that saw eight lead changes and two ties. With nearly eight minutes to go in the first half Albany State found themselves down nine, 28-19 after two Ditalion Battle triples. ASU would respond with a 17-7 run that would land them in front 36-35. The Rams would take a 40-39 lead into halftime.
Albany State would be in command for the balance of the second half, save the Thoroughbreds taking a 58-56 lead on Ditalion Battle layup with 9:26 to go in the game. The Rams would reclaim the lead for good from consecutive baskets from Jared Harrington. A late run would put Albany State up comfortably 74-63 with 2:43 left in the contest.
In addition to McClure’s big night, there were 4 other Rams’ players in double figure scoring: Jared Harrington provided 16 points off the ASU bench; Tyler Walker had 13; Mike Green contributed 12 and Tyler Walker recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards.
David Jelks and Ray Croon both put in 19 for Kentucky State.
Albany State will face Clark-Atlanta in the quarterfinals Thursday evening with a tip-off time of 7:45
