Feb. 26, 2008
Montgomery, Ala. -
Alabama State senior point guard Shantae Robinson has had a few problems hitting free throws in crucial situations this year.
But she more than made up for every miss with a spectacular overtime performance in ASU's thrilling 78-71.
The Lady Hornets entered the game on the outside looking in, sitting in 9th place in the SWAC standings - one spot out of the conference's 8-team postseason tournament. This game, with only four remaining, was a must have for any ASU hopes of making the tournament.
The first half showed signs of what was to come as neither team could mount more than a four point lead in a first half that also included five ties - including a 32-32 score at intermission.
The Lady Hornets opened the second half with a 13-4 run to seize a 9 point lead. Southern worked to get it closer, but each time ASU would respond. With just over five minutes remaining, the Jaguars drew within five, only to be rebuffed. A jump shot by Erica Lumpkin combined with a three pointer by LaShundreya Townsend pushed the lead to 10 with 3:12 to go, and a win seemed sure for ASU.
The Lady Hornets kept the lead at 9 with less than two minutes, that's when the trouble started. From that point, ASU missed four free throws and made three turnovers giving Southern life. Deidra Jackson, who had a game-high 34 points, hit back to back shot to force overtime.
That's when the curtain came up on the Shantae Robinson show. She scored six of ASU's 10 points in overtime, including an incredible drive as she slipped past one defender, ducked under another and spun the ball high off the glass before she crashed to the floor. The basket was good and the game was over.
ASU moved to 5-9 in league play, ½ game ahead of Alcorn State and 1 game behind Texas Southern - a team the Lady Hornets will face on the road next Monday. ASU beat TSU 67-58 earlier this month.
Lumpkin led ASU with 21 points, to go with seven rebounds. Robinson scored 17 points and dished 9 assists. Assunta Fulgham added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
