Feb. 16, 2008

Final Stats

Huntsville, Ala. - Freda Freeman-Jackson's 10th season - perhaps her most difficult one - got a whole lot brighter with a thrilling 66-65 upset at Alabama A & M Saturday afternoon.

"Our girls just never quit," Freeman-Jackson said. "Despite all the injuries and adversity, they just keep playing hard and tonight it paid off."

The Lady Hornets fell behind early as A & M opened the game with a 14-4 streak. However, seldom-used reserved Sophia Jenkins scored five straight point-punctuated by a long three pointer to cut the lead in half.

From there, ASU's defense tightened, forcing turnover and tough shots until Shanice Merritt slipped inside to tie the game at 25 with 4:45 remaining in the first half. The teams traded baskets and free throws and the game was tied at 29 as they went to the locker room.

The second half was typical of this hyper-intense rivalry as neither team would gain a lead of more than five points throughout a nip and tuck second half.

With veteran point guards Shantae Robinson (ASU) and Christian Malone (AAMU) going right at each other, both teams ran efficient half-court with shooters getting open looks thanks to great passes.

But it would be Robinson, the Lady Hornets only senior, who would have the final say.

With less than two minutes remaining, Robinson beat Christian off the dribble and was fouled on her way to the basket. With her team down three, Robinson stepped to the line and calmly drilled both free throws.

After Merritt ripped down a rebound when Christian missed, Freeman-Jackson called her last time out. The play was obvious - get the ball to Shantae Robinson and everyone get out of way.

Robinson took the dribble and got free inside the lane. As she drew the defenders toward her, she tried to pass the ball to cutting Assunta Fulgham. However, a Bulldog tried to knock it away, but it bounced to Fulgham who leaping bank shot gave ASU a 66-65 lead with only four seconds remaining.

Alabama A & M did get a final shot, but Katrich Williams' runner rolled off the rim sealing the biggest victory of the year for an ASU team missing five players with season-ending injuries.

Fulgham finished with 16 points. Sophia Jenkins added 11 points and 9 rebounds. Erica Lumpkin had 10 points, including two crucial three-pointers. Robinson finished with 10 points and 12 assists.

After finishing her post-game radio interview, Freeman-Jackson turned to an overjoyed ASU crowd and raised her fist.

"I was just proud, so proud of the effort our ladies gave tonight," she said. "Nobody ever quit," she repeated. "Nobody ever quit."