Jan. 4, 2006

Final Stats

JACKSON, Miss. - Alabama State fought back from a double-digit deficit in the second half to take the lead in the final minute, but two Crystal Robinson free throws with four seconds remaining gave Jackson State a 52-51 victory Wednesday night.

Shantae Robinson had a chance to give ASU (3-7, 1-1 SWAC) the win but she missed a runner in the lane as time expired.

"It's real tough to lose a game like this. But I'm proud of my girls because they showed they could overcome tough odds," ASU head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson said.

ASU had taken its first lead of the game when Frantina Coleman knocked down two free throws with 33 seconds left. The Lady Hornets then forced a wild miss from JSU guard Aisha Scott, but Crystal Robinson came down with the rebound and was fouled by Shantae Robinson before draining the game-winning free throws.

"That play could've gone either way," Freeman-Jackson said. "We played good defense and got the blocked shot. I thought she had a clean strip."

After scoring almost 80 points in Monday night's SWAC opener against Grambling State, the Lady Hornets struggled throughout the first half against the Lady Tigers.

While the Lady Hornets made only six baskets and shot 24 percent in the first half, the more disparaging numbers came in the foul and free throw department. ASU was whistled for 13 fouls, compared to three for Jackson State, and did not attempt a foul shot.

"We were never able to get anything going in the first half," said Freeman-Jackson, who was clearly dismayed with the officiating throughout the contest. "There were a lot of fouls and we never were able to get into a rhythm."

ASU trailed 27-14 at the half but came out firing in the second. Tashia Holston drained three straight 3-pointers in the first 3:30 to get the Lady Hornets back into the game. Bama State would cut the deficit to 36-34 but JSU would go on an 8-0 run that pushed its lead back into double digits with 5:37 to play.

Holston led the Lady Hornets with 12 points, Shantae Robinson had 11 points, five assists and three steals and Coleman added 10 points. Shelita Burns' 13 points led Jackson State.