Nov. 7, 2006

Final Stats

Alabama State University basketball fans got a sneak peek into the future Tuesday night as the Lady Hornets hosted the West Georgia Wolves in an exhibition game kicking off the 2006-07 season. Newcomers Essence Butler, Assunta Fulgham and Jasmon Hazley combined for 46 points as ASU outlasted WGU in overtime 55-45.

The Lady Hornets started slowly and found themselves in a 15-5 hole after the first 10 minutes. Slowly but surely the ASU women settled in and whittled the lead to 21-15 at the half.

After firing up jump shots and shooting only 19 percent in the first half, the Lady Hornets started going inside and discovered an inside scoring option in 6-2 freshman Assunta Fulgham, who battled her way to a 16-point, seven-rebound debut. The Lady Wolves began racking up fouls, allowing the Lady Hornets a huge advantage from the free-throw line. ASU went 29-42 from the charity stripe while WGU manage only 10-15.

Essence Butler (16 points) and Jazmon Hazley (10 points, three assists) also played big roles in the ASU coming-out party. Valeisa Crenshaw had 11 points for the Wolves. Rita Grayson and Alexis Pace each chipped in eight.

The Lady Hornets tip off the regular season Wednesday, November 15 when they travel to Auburn. ASU returns to the Acadome for their home opener on Sunday, November 19 as they take on Winston-Salem State at 6 p.m.