MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State overcame a sluggish first half to pull away from Texas Southern early in the second half for an 81-73 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) victory at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome Saturday afternoon.

Alabama State (12-2) fell behind by as many as eight in the first quarter and trailed by nine at the break, before a strong third quarter put the Lady Hornets up by one at 53-52. The two teams traded the lead in the fourth quarter before Alabama State was able to pull away late for the win.

Jayla Crawford and Shmya Ward each scored 21 points in the win, with Ward adding 10 rebounds to record another double-double on the season. Ayana Emmanuel added 15 points and six rebounds, while Courtney Lee recorded a career-high 10 assists in the win.

Alabama State finished the night shooting 49.1 (27-for-55) percent from the floor and 54.5 (6-for-11) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 72.4 (21-for-29) percent from the free throw line and pulled down 33 rebounds in the win.

The Lady Hornets return to action at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome Monday night in their final home game of the season. Tip is set for 5:30 pm, and the game will be carried on the Hornet Sports Network.  

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