Southern relied on a tenacious defensive effort and a near flawless shooting touch at the free throw line to claim sole possession of first place in the SWAC standings after handing Alabama State a 68-55 loss Monday night.

The Jaguars physical defense held the Hornets to 20 of 65 shooting from the field and 3 of 21 from behind the arc. 

Southern shot 43 percent from the field, including torching Alabama State in the second half shooting 56 percent. Southern, who have been plagued by poor free throw shooting this season, went 13 of 14 from the free throw line to help ice the game late in the second half.

Malcolm Miller, who led all scores with an 18-point outburst, fell two rebounds shy of matching teammate Calvin Godfrey's double-double. The Milwaukee, Wis. native posted 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Maurice Strong led the Hornets with 14 points.

Southern returns to action Saturday, Feb. 1 when the Jaguars face Alcorn State in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m.