Alabama State's women's basketball team traveled to Pine Bluff, Ark., for a 5:30 p.m. Monday showdown at the H.O. Clemmons Arena. 
 
"This will be another tough contest for us, facing a team that's playing better since the last time we played them, said head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. "It's tough enough playing on the road so, will have to focus and not let records influence us."
 
Alabama State (10-9, 8-2 SWAC) holds a 31-6 all time advantage against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (7-14, 4-6 SWAC). The Lady Hornets are coming off a 79-51 win over Mississippi Valley Saturday in Greenwood, MS.  Alabama State has won its last eight conference games and will be looking to continue its spark to end this one with a victory.  After taking on UAPB, the Lady Hornets will have four days before heading to Huntsville to face in-state rival Alabama A&M.
 
Alabama State has had a strong effort from the bench, as they have received at least 40 points in their last three games.  Junior Daniele Ewert has shown a great presence on the floor by averaging 7.1 ppg and 3.9 rebounds.  In the game against Mississippi Valley, she scored nine points, while pulling down three rebounds for the Lady Hornets. 
 
Graduate student Durriya Shields-Sampson has stepped in and has taken on the role as a true leading point guard for the Lady Hornets.  She led ASU with a season high of 14 points to assist Alabama State with the win over Valley.
 
"Durriya has been playing really well for us after coming back in January and graduating," Freeman-Jackson said.  "I appreciate her coming back and stepping up like she has.  She is a true veteran leader."
 
Junior Britney Wright, who is in the starting five, had 10 points against the Delta Devilettes.  She is currently averaging 14.1 ppg, while averaging 7.7 rpg.  Graduate student Jasmine Peeples is leading the team in blocked shots (43) and is second on the team averaging 7.1 rebounds pg, while averaging 7.1 ppg.
 
"I'm proud of the way that the ladies have been playing," Freeman-Jackson stated.  "We have been getting contributions from all players as a whole and we just need to continue in the direction we are going in.  We must continue the collective effort in order to get the wins."
 
Alabama State leads the SWAC in field goal defense percentage (.354), three-point field goal percentage (.230) and defensive rebounding (28.9).  They are averaging 12.6 offensive rebounds pg along with a 4.6 three-point field goals made.