Chattanooga, TN -- (Sports Network) - Stuart Creason scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Colorado State Rams to a 61-56 win over the Alabama State Hornets in the first round of the Dr. Pepper Classic from McKenzie Arena.

Tyler Smith also added nine points and seven assists for the Rams (9-2).

Alabama State (2-8) was led by Andrew Hayles who scored 21 points. Dustin Richmond also chipped in with 10 points in the loss.

Despite shooting just 10-of-26 from the field in the first half, the Hornets took a 31-28 lead into the break.

Colorado State stormed back in the second stanza, shooting 52 percent from the field, en route to a five point win.

The Rams dominated Alabama State in the post, outscoring the Hornets 40-22 in the paint.