COL BKB: Arizona St. 64, Alabama St. 53

TEMPE, Ariz., March 19 (UPI) -- James Harden scored 25 points Tuesday, leading top-seeded Arizona State past Alabama State 64-53 in the opening round of the NIT.

Harden also pulled down 13 rebounds for the Sun Devils, who will face Southern Illinois in the next round. Ty Abbott contributed 15 points, all of which came on three-point shots in the first half.

Andrew Hayes led the Hornets with 12 points while Brandon Brooks scored 10 points. Alabama State shot a modest 32.2 percent from the field and were out-rebounded by Arizona State 43-35.