Led by Danielle Clark's game-high 23 points Alabama State University defeated the Faulkner Lady Eagles, Thursday night 81-46 in an exhibition matchup.
 
In the first quarter ASU struggled on defense. Fouls sent Faulkner in the bonus early; permitting several early trips to the striped line.
 
"I thought we started off really sluggish, because we didn't do a good job playing defense," said Head Coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. "We were all over the place our transition defense was not where it needed to be and I tried to let them stay in the game and get adjusted to what we needed them to do."
 
ASU struggled on offense, allowing the Lady Eagles to maintain a narrow 20 -18 lead.
 
The Lady hornets made adjustments in the second quarter both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court, which led to an amazing 20 -3 run in the final 5 minutes. Capped off by Clark's deep three half time buzzer beater giving ASU a 47-29 lead going into the half.
 
"When I made the substitution, I thought we picked up on what they (Faulkner) was doing and once we got them under control in transition and half-court defense," said Freeman-Jackson. "I thought that was the difference in the game especially starting the second, third and the fourth quarters.
 
The Lady Hornet's bench outscored the Lady Eagle's bench 32 -15 providing a boost in third and fourth quarters. Steered by energetic point guard Shamyiah Smith's 12 points, seven assist and six rebounds, while Kayla Stephens added 10 points.
 
"When I made that substitutions, Shamyiah was one of the players who played a lot for use last year. She is preseason second team and she does a real good job guarding the ball. Shamyiah is very vocal, getting other players in the right spots," said Freeman-Jackson.
 
While SWAC Preseason Player of Year Britney Wright struggled shooting 5-14, managed to score 10 points and grabbed four rebounds.
 
After allowing 20 points in the first quarter ASU's defense only allowed 26 points in the remaining three quarters. The fierce defense caused 23 turnovers, 10 steals and eight blocks which translated into 31 of the team's (ASU) points.
 
Alabama State will open the season on the road against Southern Mississippi in their first every WNIT appearance.  They will play at the Reed Greed Coliseum in Hattiesburg, Miss., November 13, the tip-off is set for 11 a.m.