GRAMBLING, La. | Alabama State could not contain a big second half by Grambling State, enduring a 63-45 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) loss on Thursday evening inside of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Alabama State (11-17, 10-7 SWAC) and Grambling (14-15, 11-6 SWAC) got off to a slow start as both teams shot a combined 10-of-30 to open the game. The two teams traded baskets halfway through the second quarter until the Lady Tigers used full court pressure to extend its lead to 30-24 at the half.
The Lady Hornets held Grambling State scoreless up until 6:24 left in the third when the Lady Tigers used the eighth lead change of the game – a three-point play by Ariel Williams – to take control for good.
Tatyana Calhoun led Alabama State with 10 points and five rebounds, while
Shmya Ward chipped in seven points and eight rebounds.
Armani Smith recorded a career-high eight rebounds in the loss.
Jazmin Boyd led the Lady Tigers with 15 points, three blocks and four steals. She was joined in double figures by Shakyla Hill with 14 and Williams with 13 points.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Alabama State won the rebounding battle 49-46.
Grambling finished with 18 points in the paint, 23 bench points and ten second chance points.
The Lady Hornets finished with 28 points in the paint, 11 second chance points and 16 bench points.
The Lady Tigers forced 25 Lady Hornet turnovers that they converted into 19 points, while Alabama State scored seven points off of 14 Grambling State miscues.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH FREDA FREEMAN-JACKSON
General thoughts: "We weren't ready to play from start to finish. My guards were off offensively and that carried over to the defensive end. We also had 12 turnovers at the half so that's not good at all. We are young, but at the same time this was not a good outing for us at all."
On Calhoun: "We wanted to get the ball inside to her because we know that do not have a big that can guard her. We also looked to her a lot because our guards couldn't get going, so it was good to get her in a rhythm."
On final game: "This is a must win game, and our girls are going to have tough skin. At this point, everyone is fighting for the same thing and we are all currently sitting in a four-way tie. We have to win this next game to have a shot at hosting a first round game and obtain a top seed going into postseason play.
NEXT UP
Alabama State will conclude the 2018-19 season on the road at Jackson State. Tip is set for 3 pm inside of the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Activity Center with audio coverage provided by the Hornets Sports Network.
Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University women's basketball, follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateWBB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
