MEMPHIS, TN --The Alabama State women's basketball team could not keep up in a 95-51 loss to the Memphis Tigers on the road Thursday.

The Hornets (0-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Shmya Ward, who had 13 points. Che'Mya Carouthers tacked on 12 points and Cordasia Harris helped out with 12 points, two steals and four blocks.

Alabama State did a great job disrupting Memphis shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Harris' four rejections led the way individually for the Hornets.

THE BASICS 
Score: University of Memphis 95 | Alabama State  51
Records: Lady Hornets 0-2 | Memphis 1-1 
Date: November 9, 2023
Location: Memphis, Tenn. | Roane Field House 
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HOW IT HAPPENED

Alabama State struggled out of the gate, falling behind 25-4 at the end of the first quarter.

The Hornets continued to lose ground in the second quarter and faced a 45-12 halftime deficit.

Memphis continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 57-18 advantage before Alabama State went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Carouthers, to trim its deficit to 57-23 with 4:26 to go in the third. Memphis countered and stretched its lead to 65-29 heading into the fourth. Alabama State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 17 points in the paint.

Alabama State came out of the third quarter break clicking on all cylinders, going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Harris' layup, to shrink the deficit to 65-36 with 9:11 to go in the contest. Memphis responded and outscored the Hornets the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 95-51. Alabama State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 22 points in the paint.

GAME NOTES

• The Alabama State defense forced 16 turnovers.
• The Hornets were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording six blocks as a team.
•  Shmya Ward led the Hornets with 13 points.
• Alabama State got five rebounds from both Che'Mya Carouthers and Shmya Ward.
• The Lady Hornets shot 50 percent in the second half.

UP NEXT: Alabama State travels play SMU at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Dallas, Texas