Jan. 5, 2008

Final Stats

Grambling, La. - The Alabama State Lady Hornets dominated the Grambling State Tigers 70-51 Saturday night in the SWAC opener for both teams.

Freshman Erica Lumpkin continued her stellar play, pouring in 21 points on 10-13 shooting. Lumpkin also nailed her league-leading 31st three-point shot of the season.

"Erica really did a great job tonight," said ASU head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. "Grambling knew she was a good three point shooter and tried to take that away from her. But she was patient and scored by posting up and taking open shots."

Lumpkin's point total was her career high, but she wasn't the only newcomer making noise in their conference debut. Backup point guard Lashundrey Townsend came off the bench for 17 points and three assists.

Assunta Fulgham scored the first points of the game, fueling an opening 10-3 run. ASU pushed their lead to as much as 12 before ending the half with a 35-25 advantage.

The Lady Hornets turned up the pressure in the second half as they pushed their lead to 62-40 on a driving lay-up by Lumpkin. Fulgham - who scored first - capped the game with a short jump shot with six seconds remaining in the game.

"I'm happy with the way we responded," said Freeman Jackson. "Also, I believe Shantae Robinson (five points, 12 assists) played one of her best games tonight. She was a true floor leader."

INJURY UPDATE:Despite the win, there was a scary moment for the Lady Hornets as sophomore Jasmine Sanford had to leave the game and be transported to the hospital after being hit in the head and later collapsing to the court.

"We prayed very hard for her," said Freeman-Jackson. "It was great to learn that she was going to be ok. We ask that everyone keep Jasmine in their thoughts."