Senior forward Jamorris Gaines scored a season-high 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Albany State Golden Rams past the Kentucky State Thorobreds, 69-65, in the SIAC conference opener for both teams. With the win, ASU improves to 3-4, 1-0. KSU falls to 1-5, 0-1

In the first half, the Golden Rams found themselves trailing 16-13 at the 8:58 mark. Albany State then went on a 13-0 run to take a 26-16 lead with 4:27 left in the half. ASU led 32-23 at intermission.

Kentucky State made a run in the second half and took the lead at 40-39 with 13:01 remaining in the game. After reclaiming a 42-40 lead at the 11:38 mark, the Golden Rams went on a 16-5 run of their own to go ahead 58-45 with 7:11 left to play.

The Thorobreds made a final run, but Albany State hit timely shots from the field and free throws to seal the victory.

Gaines was 12-14 from the field, including 3-4 from three-point range. He also added three steals. Darshtyn Baker finished with eight points, Demetri Wheeler added seven points and six rebounds. Joe Williams and Larry Bullock each scored six points.

The Golden Rams shot 26-59 from the field (44.1%), 4-17 (23.5%) and 13-22 (59.1%) from the free throw line. Albany State outrebounded Kentucky State 40-35 and forced the Thorobreds into 15 turnovers.