MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant individual performance and a dramatic final-minute swing, the Grambling Tigers clawed back from a nine-point halftime deficit to edge the Alabama State Hornets 65-63 in a Southwest Athletic Conference men’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

The victory, witnessed by an intimate crowd of 961, snapped a three-game losing skid for Grambling and improved its record to 13-18 overall and 10-8 in SWAC play. Alabama State, which led for over 33 minutes of game time, fell to 10-20 and 7-11.

The narrative of the contest was overwhelmingly written by Grambling guard Jamil Muttilib. The 6-foot-6 junior from Houston, Texas, delivered a career-defining night, pouring in a game-high 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting. His scoring was essential in carrying a Grambling offense that struggled for consistency, particularly in a first half where they managed only 27 points and trailed 36-27 at the break. Alabama State, led by Micah Simpson’s 15 points, had controlled the pace early, building their lead with a 48% first-half shooting performance that starkly contrasted Grambling’s icy start.

The second half became the Jamil Muttilib and Roderick Coffee show. Coffee, a 6-foot-4 guard from Painesville, Ohio, complemented Muttilib’s scoring with 18 points, including several crucial baskets during the comeback. More importantly, he was a steadying force, playing all 40 minutes and converting critical free throws down the stretch. Grambling’s defense stiffened considerably after halftime, holding the Hornets to just 27 points on 29% shooting from the field. Alabama State’s offensive rhythm disintegrated under increased defensive pressure, committing 10 of their 17 turnovers in the final 20 minutes.

Grambling chipped away at the lead throughout the second half, finally drawing even and then pushing ahead in the closing minutes. The game’s most critical sequence, however, unfolded in the final 35 seconds. With Grambling clinging to a 63-61 lead, Alabama State’s Micah Simpson connected on a difficult floating jump shot in the lane, assisted by Cam Palesse, to tie the game at 63 with 34 seconds remaining.

The ensuing Grambling possession put the ball in the hands of Roderick Coffee. Driving aggressively into the paint, he drew a foul from Alabama State’s towering 6-foot-10 center Jerquarius Stanback with just 15 seconds on the clock. With the game in the balance, Coffee, displaying notable composure, stepped to the line and sank both free throws to restore Grambling’s two-point advantage.

Alabama State had one final chance. After a timeout to advance the ball, they designed a play for Simpson, their leading scorer on the night. He received the ball on the wing, created space, and launched a contested jump shot from just inside the three-point line as time expired. The attempt rattled off the rim, and Tyler Mack’s offensive rebound tip attempt came after the final buzzer, sealing the narrow Grambling victory.

Beyond Muttilib and Coffee, Grambling received a key defensive contribution from Mekhi Fitts, who blocked two shots and grabbed five rebounds in 14 minutes. For Alabama State, Jerquarius Stanback posted a strong all-around line of 11 points, four rebounds and four blocked shots, while Tyler Byrd added eight points, two assists and two blocks.

The game concluded as a stark contrast to pregame projections. National statistical models had given Alabama State a 69.1% probability of victory, and the Hornets entered as 3.5-point favorites. The combined point total of 128 fell well under the over/under line of 143.5, underscoring the defensive struggle, particularly in the second half.

The win completed a regular-season sweep for Grambling over Alabama State, having previously defeated the Hornets 57-47 on Feb. 7. For Grambling, it provided a positive note to end the regular season before the conference tournament, while Alabama State was left to ponder a game that slipped away despite a commanding early position.