MONTGOMERY, Ala. | In a game that featured 17 ties and 14 lead changes, Alabama State was able to secure a 67-59 overtime victory over visiting Prairie View A&M on Monday night in a pivotal Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) contest.

Alabama State (11-16, 10-6 SWAC) led by as many as three in the final period, but Prairie View (14-12, 11-5 SWAC) was able to tie the game 56-all with 89 seconds remaining in regulation. The Lady Hornets had two attempts to win the game but couldn't convert, leaving the Lady Panthers with one opportunity with ten seconds left. Shala Dobbins was unable to convert a contested three-point attempt, forcing five more minutes of action.
 
Ayana Emmanuel scored the first two baskets of the overtime period to put the Lady Hornets up 60-56. PVAMU did not answer with a basket until the final 1:44, only scoring three points in overtime. The Lady Hornets ended the game on an 8-0 run to claim the exciting victory.
 
Emmanuel led all players with 23 points on a perfect 10-of-10 from the charity stripe. She was joined in double figures by 12 points from Jayla Crawford. Tyesha Rudolph chipped in eight points and eight rebounds, while Zomoria Clark finished with three blocks.
 
Shala Dobbins led the Lady Panthers with 18 points and five steals on 50 (6-of-12) shooting from the floor. She was joined in double figures by Artavia Ford with 16.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Alabama State won the rebounding battle 50-32.
 
PVAMU finished with 14 points in the paint, 28 bench points and five second chance points.
 
The Lady Hornets finished with 26 points in the paint, eight second chance points and 18 bench points.
 
The Lady Panthers forced 23 Lady Hornet turnovers that they converted into 16 points, while Alabama State scored 18 points off of 12 PVAMU miscues.
 
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH FREDA FREEMAN-JACKSON
General thoughts: "This was a tough game from start to finish, but I am pleased with how my girls were able to pull it out. We had big players step up like Zomoria Clark and Tyesha Rudolph defensively, and that really made the difference."
 
Importance of winning on senior night: "Everyone wants to win in their final home game on senior night so for Calhoun and Gipson to go out like this is special. They ended on a high note but it is not over yet, we have two big road game that we must win to host a game in postseason play."

On final two games: "We know the conference race is really close right now so it is important to secure the road wins. Grambling is always tough, but we will adjust and be prepared for a good one on Thursday."
 
 
NEXT UP
Alabama State will hit the road for their last two regular season contests against Grambling and Jackson State. Tip is set for 5:30 pm against Grambling on March 7 with audio coverage provided by the Hornets Sports Network.
 
 
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