Box Score The Alabama State women's basketball team fell in the opening round of the Cyclone Classic 52-37 to the Penn Quakers at the Hilton Coliseum. 
 
In the first half of play Alabama State was able to hold onto a 9-6 at the 14:08 mark until the Lady Hornets went on a shooting drought, allowing the Quakers to take a 9-2 run.   However, the Lady Hornets rallied to cut the deficit to 21-20 at half time.
 
“I think that we played well the first half,” said head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson.  “We played well defensively in holding Penn to 21 points.  We did a really good job running our offense and making our assignments like we needed to.”
 
In the second half ASU could buy a basket only shooting for 17 percent (5-28) from the field.  Overall they shot 25 percent from the field.
 
Danielle Gazaway, who had a season high of 16 points and seven, rebounds while Amari Brown added six points and six for Alabama State
 
 “Today, Danielle played a decent ball game,” stated Freeman-Jackson.  “She was the only player in double-figures while the rest of our scorers were limited to five points or less.  This was a game that I thought was winnable. We just didn't do what we were supposed to do to close out the game.  I also feel good about what Amari has brought to the table she's very athletic, but she just needs to do a better job on defense.  Jasmine Peeples did a good job. She's also athletic and I think that is what we are going to have to have going into conference play.”
 
Alabama State falls to 2-8 while, Penn improved to 5-4 on the season.
 
“We went right out we told them to run a certain play and they ran something different,” said Freeman-Jackson.  “Right out the block as far as the second half we did not execute on the offensive end and then they go down and make a big shot.  I don't think that we did a good job of defending the ball.  We just didn't play well defensively and then we went cold.  We had too many scoring droughts and that's what's been plaguing us all year.  We are going to have to figure out a way to strike a balance.  We came out playing sluggish and you just can't play a team that is discipline missing easy shots and missed opportunities.  We did not do a good job on the defensive end Penn made too many threes the second half, so we have got to do a better job of taking care of the ball and playing defense.”
 
“We are still encouraged since we have not played any SWAC games.  We are just going to have to figure a way to get better and put two halves together.  We are going to have to get SWAC ready and use our athleticism.  We feel that we are strong in the post position, but our guards haven't been playing to their fullest potential.  Once we get going we should be more successful.”
 
Alabama State will return to the floor to face host team Iowa State in the Cyclone Challenge on Sunday, December 29.  The game is set to tip-off 3:30 p.m.
 
 
GO HORNETS