Jan. 19, 2008

PHOTOGALLERY

Final Stats

Montgomery, Ala. - For 39 minutes and 13 seconds, Alabama State led Alabama A & M and the Lady Hornets appeared on the verge of upsetting a veteran Bulldogs squad.

However, ill-timed turnovers and missed free throws allowed A & M to tie and eventually pass ASU and steal a 71-69 win.

"The first half was about everything I could ask for," said ASU head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. "We played superb defense, and because of our youth we have to do that every night. We just didn't make enough plays and do enough things right to close this game out."

In the first half, ASU not only shot a higher percentage than A & M (46%-27%) but they also won the rebounding battle 31-12. Shantae Robinson was leading her young squad with seven points and four assists. Erica Lumpkin fired away from outside, scoring eight points including two three-pointers. And Tanika Jackson was doing her thing by pulling down eight rebounds to go with six points.

The Lady Hornets headed to the lockerroom with a 28-15 lead.

"In a rivalry situation and with the experience they have, I knew they wouldn't lay down," Freeman-Jackson. "We came out without enough energy and then we just made too many mistakes down the stretch."

With just over six minutes left, Lumpkin hit another three-pointer to made the lead 50-36. But ASU would commit four turnover and missed six shots - including three free throws - to leave the door open for the Bulldogs. And, they would literally kick it down.

A & M went on a 17-3 to tie the game, capped by two three-pointers and a clutch free throw. However, they missed a free throw they could have won the game outright, and the contest went to overtime.

Lumpkin opened the extra period with a three pointer, but A & M hit back-to-back jumpers to take their first lead of the game. They would go ahead by as much as six, before settling for the two point win.

"Fatigue definitely played a part," Freeman-Jackson said. "With all of the players we have out, we just don't have the depth we need. But we have to fight a way to fight through it."

Lumpkin finished with 16 points. Robinson added also added 16 to go with 10 assists. Lashundreya Townsed scored 12, while Tanika Johnson had another double-double, tallying 10 points and 12 rebounds.

ASU (5-10, 2-3 SWAC) hosts Savannah State Monday night at 7 p.m.