NORMAL, Ala. (AP) Chris Howell scored four of his 17 points in overtime and Jackson State opened Southwestern Conference play with a 54-51 win at Alabama A&M on Saturday night.

Jackson State (4-11, 1-0) now has won seven of the last nine games with the Bulldogs.

Howell, a graduate transfer from South Dakota State entered the game averaging 11.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Venjie Wallis, a transfer from the University of New Orleans, finished the game with 11 points and knocked down a pair of critical free throws in the overtime period.

Alabama A&M falls to 1-14 and now has lost three straight.

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