MONTGOMERY, Ala | Cordasia Harris secured her fourth double-double of the season with 28 points and 16 rebounds to help the Alabama State women's basketball team beat the Mississippi Valley State 64-49 on Saturday inside the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
In addition to Harris' solid outing, the Hornets (4-10, 2-0) were led by Amari Franklin, who had four points, nine rebounds and three steals, and by O'Mariyah Tucker, who added 13 points.
Alabama State pulled down 60 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Mississippi Valley State's 37, led by Harris' 16 boards. The Hornets also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 19 rebounds into 19 second chance points.
Alabama State forced 17 Mississippi Valley State turnovers. The Hornets turned those takeaways into 21 points on the other end of the floor. Harris' five steals led the way for Alabama State.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 11-10 advantage, Alabama State went on a 10-0 run with 3:10 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Justina Graham, to increase its lead to 21-10. The Hornets then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 23-10 advantage. Alabama State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 23 points close to the basket.
Alabama State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 5-0 run starting at the 9:13 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Harris, to increase its lead to 28-10. The Delta Devils cut into that lead, but the Hornets still enjoyed a 34-17 advantage heading into halftime. Alabama State dominated in the paint, scoring six of its 11 points close to the basket.
Alabama State wasted no time building on its lead, going on a 5-0 run to expand its lead further to 39-17 with 6:30 to go in the third. The Hornets held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 45-23 edge. Alabama State played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 11 points in the paint.
The Hornets then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Alabama State got up and down the court quickly in the quarter, scoring four fast break points.
Game Notes
» Harris's double-double was her fourth of the season and 13th of her career at ASU.
» The Hornets held the Delta Devils to only 26.5 percent shooting from the field.
» The Hornets never trailed after taking a 23-10 first quarter lead.
» Cordasia Harris, O'Mariyah Tucker, and Justina Graham combined to account for 77 percent of the Hornets points.
» Alabama State had a 60-37 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Alabama State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Alabama State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Harris led the Hornets with a game-high 28 points and 16 rebounds.
» Amari Franklin added a career-high 16 rebounds and O'Mariyah Tucker scored 13 points.
Up Next: Alabama State at Alcorn State on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. in Lorman, Miss.
