Feb. 6, 2006

Final Stats

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Historically, a February game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff usually adds up to victory for Alabama State.

But a cold shooting night by the Lady Hornets contributed heavily to ASU's 61-55 overtime defeat to the Golden Lionettes Monday night at H.O. Clemmons Arena. The loss snapped Bama State's five-game winning streak and kept the team one-game behind Southern and Jackson State atop the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings.

Alabama State (9-10, 7-4) failed to shoot 30 percent field in any of the three periods, shooting 27 percent (17-of-61) for the game. The free throw shooting -- 52 percent -- wasn't much better.

ASU led by three early in the extra period and looked to be in good shape as three UAPB players had fouled out, leaving only six players in uniform. But with 37 seconds remaining, Whitney Price drained a 3-pointer to give the Golden Lionettes the lead for good as the Lady Hornets missed their final four shots over the last 1:55 and turned the ball over twice.

The Lady Hornets didn't look like they would even make it to overtime, trailing by five with one minute remaining. But a Rhonda Brown 3-pointer cut into the deficit with 36 seconds remaining, and after a Latille Ross steal on Arkansas-Pine Bluff's ensuing possession, Bama State was back in business.

Freshman guard L'Teisha Holloway drove to the basket and was fouled with two seconds remaining. She calmly sank both free throws that sent the game into overtime.

Holloway scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Lady Hornets, who also received contributions from Frantina Coleman (10 points), Brown (nine points on 3-of-5 3-point shooting) and Ross (six points, 11 rebounds). Three UAPB players finished in double figures, led by Vernae Cross' 13 points.

The Lady Hornets are in action again on Saturday at 2 p.m. when they travel to Huntsville to take on Alabama A&M.