FINAL BOX

GREENWOOD, Miss – Down by as many as 8 points in the first half, Alabama State (4-11, 1-3 SWAC) went on a 7-0 run to get within one point, but it was not enough to overcome Alia Frank's and Lenise Stallings 16 points apiece as Mississippi Valley (4-10, 2-1 SWAC) dropped Alabama State 67-71, Monday night at Leflore County Civic Center.

Tanika Jackson scored 23 points for her second 20-points or more game in a row, eighth of the season.  Erica Henderson added 11 and Tamara Waldington, and Yahindra Edwards both chipped in eight apiece.

After battling neck-and-neck with the Devilettes for much of the second half, Alabama State couldn't capitalize on key opportunities late in the game.  After Mississippi Valley took a 68-67 lead, after Alabama State's Kimberly Hunter hit a three point shot at the tip of the arch with 26 seconds remaining on the clock, forced Alabama State to foul.

Mississippi Valley's Lenise Stallings nailed two free throws to make the Valley lead four.  Yahindra Edward's last shot at the buzzard just missed the rim to give Mississippi Valley the 67-71 victory.

Alabama State trailed by ten, 31-21, at halftime after falling behind by eight with 11 plus minutes remaining in the period.  Down 14-6, Alabama State scored five straight points to cut the margin to two at 14-12.  Mississippi Valley quickly scored two buckets, and then ASU did the same.  The two teams traded baskets for the remaining two minutes of the half.

Each team scored twice early in the game before the Devilettes reeled off a 10-0 run.  Mississippi Valley shot 20-of-46 from the field (43.5 percent) against 19-of-49 shooting from Alabama State (38.8 percent).  The Lady Hornets out-rebounded Mississippi Valley 36-27, as Jackson contributed nine of those boards.

The Lady Hornet's will return to the court Saturday, Jan 15 in Huntsville, Ala. against in-state rival Alabama A&M, at 3 p.m. CT.  Alabama State returns home to host Southern University on Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. CT.