The Alabama State women's basketball team is set to get under way the second half of conference play as they face Mississippi Valley State Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Leflore County Civic Center for an 2 p.m. tip.
 
The Lady Hornets opened its SWAC home play against Mississippi Valley at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on Jan. 9 picking up their first conference win as well of the start of its current seven-game win streak.  Alabama State (9-9, 7-2 SWAC) was led in scoring by Britney Wright with 24 points and four rebounds.  The Lady Hornets was led in rebounds by graduate student Jasmine Peeples with six.  Alabama State out-rebounded the Devilettes 46-27, while picking up the 100-50 win.
 
"Tomorrow's game is very important, because this is where we begin the second half of our season," head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson stated.  "This is our opportunity to turn the tables.  We have won seven out of nine games, and the first two losses were on the road.  I am glad to see us play more aggressive on the defensive end or making baskets when we need to."
 
Mississippi Valley will enter tomorrow's contest 3-16 overall and 1-8 in conference play.  Valley has lost their last seven, contests the latest coming against Grambling State 65-52 on Feb. 2.
 
"In this game, records mean nothing," said Freeman-Jackson.  "I feel like it's all in how you play the game, and yes Valley hasn't been playing well, but they always find a way to play hard and tough against us and we need to do the same thing.   We must remain focused and do what we need to do to stay in the win column."
 
The Devilettes have two players averaging double figures, Ashley Beals (15.1) and Christina Reed who is averaging 15.8 ppg to lead the team.  Beals is also leading Mississippi Valley on the boards averaging 8.5 rebounds pg.
 
"Valley is a good solid team," Freeman-Jackson said.  "Even though they have what I call tweeners (between a guard and forward), they are still quick and can get up and down the court.  We have to be able to contain Reed and Beals. They are Valley's leading scorers."
 
Wright is leading ASU averaging 14.1 ppg and 7.8 rebounds per contest.  As a team, Alabama State is averaging 61.4 ppg, while averaging 41.5 rebounds pg.