MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State University women's basketball could not overcome 10-point second-half deficit in a 49-40 loss to Florida A&M University on Monday at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

Cordasia Harris led the Hornets with nine points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Solangelei Akridge also tacked on 11 points, a career-high eight rebounds, and two steals. Whitney Dunn helped out with six points and three steals from the bench.

Led by Harris' four offensive rebounds, Alabama State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in five second-chance points.

Alabama State's defense held Florida A&M to only 32.1 percent shooting from the field.

THE BASICS 
Final Score:  Alabama State 40 | Florida A&M 49
Records: Lady Hornets (3-17, 3-6 SWAC) | Rattlers (5-15, 4-5 SWAC)
Date: Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 | 5:30 p.m.
Location: Houston, Texas | H&PE Arena
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 HOW IT HAPPENED

After falling behind 11-3, Alabama State went on a 5-0 run with 1:52 left in the first quarter to narrow its deficit to 11-8. Florida A&M answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Hornets down 14-8 entering the second quarter.

Florida A&M kept adding to that lead, building a 23-15 advantage before Alabama State went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Harris, to narrow its deficit to 23-20. Florida A&M responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Hornets trailing 25-20 heading into halftime.

Alabama State's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Hornets faced a 39-29 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Alabama State's bench made the most of its minutes in the period, as non-starters totaled seven of the team's nine third-quarter points.

Florida A&M kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 42-29 advantage before Alabama State went on a 6-0 run to shrink the deficit to 42-35 with 3:30 to go in the contest. Florida A&M responded and outscored the Hornets the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 49-40. Alabama State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring six of its 11 points in the paint.

GAME NOTES

• The Hornets held the Rattlers to only 32.1 percent shooting from the field.
•  Alabama State got 17 points from its bench.
• The Alabama State defense forced 20 turnovers.
• The Hornets were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording six blocks as a team.
• Alabama State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
• Solangelei Akridge led the Hornets with 11 points and a career-high seven rebounds.
• Alabama State got a team-high 11 rebounds from Harris.

UP NEXT: Alabama State returns to the road to face Grambling State on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in Grambling, La.