MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Shanice Merritt scored 23 points in leading the Alabama State University women's basketball team to a 63-53 win over Alcorn State Saturday at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

Alabama State (9-13, 6-7 SWAC), who overcame 33 turnovers in the game, snapped a two-game losing skid and avenged a loss to Alcorn State (6-16, 6-8 SWAC) earlier this season in Lorman, Miss.

Along with her game-high scoring performance, Merritt pulled down eight rebounds and blocked six shots. In addition, Briana Thomas and Tanika Jackson both recorded double-double performances for the Lady Hornets. Thomas finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Jackson chipped in 16 points and 10 boards.

Kiara Ruffin finished with 13 points to lead the Lady Braves.

The Lady Hornets flew out to an early lead through the opening minutes of the game. Merritt, who scored 12 points in the first half, capped a scoring surge with back-to-back baskets giving ASU a 14-7 lead with 12 minutes to play. Bama State's defense was solid during the run holding the Lady Braves to just 3 of 17 shooting from the floor (17 percent).

A collection of miscues limited Alabama State's ability to widen its advantage. The Lady Hornets committed 17 first half turnovers and went nearly seven minutes without a point as Alcorn battled its way back into the game. Five quick points for the Lady Braves made the score 14-12 with 5:55 remaining.

ASU answered with four points each from Merritt and Briana Thomas to push ASU ahead 22-14 with just under four minutes to play in the half. The Lady Hornets maintained a lead and left the floor with a 27-21 halftime advantage.

Alcorn opened the second half with a flurry closing the deficit to just two points after only two minutes of action. ASU responded with a 6-1 run to extend its lead to seven points with 16:45 left. The Lady Braves scored the next six points to trail by just one (33-32), but Tanika Jackson halted the Alcorn run by converting a three-point play.

Despite a mounting turnover count, the Lady Hornets continued to hold a lead because of a strong defensive effort and a decisive rebounding edge. Alabama State finished the game with a 56-30 advantage on the glass.

ASU's determined play began to pay off as they slowly built a lead late in the second half. Following another three-point play by Jackson, Bama State led 57-45 with 4:20 remaining.

The Lady Braves would get no closer than 10 points in the closing minutes as the Lady Hornets completed their stellar defensive performance. Alcorn shot just 25 percent (17-66) from the field for the game.

Alabama State concludes its current home stand Monday against Southern at 5:30 p.m.