CARROLLTON, Ga.  | A late fourth-quarter push brought Alabama State within one possession in the final minute, but the Hornets couldn't complete the comeback, falling 64–61 to West Georgia on Thursday night at The Coliseum.

Alabama State placed two players in double figures and dominated points in the paint (38–26) and bench scoring (32–9), but cold shooting at the free-throw line (6-of-13) and a decisive West Georgia effort on the glass proved costly.

Strong Start, Tough Middle Quarters

The Hornets opened well, shooting 41 percent in the first quarter and taking a 17–14 lead behind early energy from Ny'Keria Flowers and Clearia Peterson. Alabama State forced four early turnovers and converted them into fast-break buckets, building its largest lead at 9:34 of the first period.

But the second quarter swung toward the Wolves. ASU struggled to find rhythm offensively, going just 5-for-16 from the field while West Georgia hit three three-pointers in the period to move ahead 30–27 at the break.

Peterson and Bryant Pace the Hornets

Peterson was ASU's most consistent force inside, finishing with a game-high 13 rebounds—including 10 offensive—and adding eight points, repeatedly generating second-chance opportunities for the Hornets.

Kaitlyn Bryant provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting while also contributing four rebounds and two steals.

Freshman guard Caylee Simpson also chipped in eight efficient points on 3-of-4 shooting, while Flowers added seven points, four rebounds, and a team-high three steals

Trading Runs in the Third

The third quarter featured a series of lead changes—13 in total throughout the game—and brief scoring bursts from both teams. Bryant and Simpson helped fuel a 6-0 Alabama State run midway through the period, but West Georgia answered behind the inside presence of Destiny Jones, who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Wolves took a 45–42 advantage into the final quarter.

Late Rally Falls Short

Down by six with under two minutes left, Alabama State mounted one final push. Alanah Pooler drilled a clutch three-pointer to pull ASU within 43–42 late in the third, and the Hornets later closed to 62–61 in the final moments of the fourth.

But West Georgia hit key free throws down the stretch—finishing 23-for-35 from the line—while Alabama State missed a pair of potential game-tying attempts in the final seconds. The Wolves secured the defensive rebound as time expired.

Next Up

Alabama State returns home to host Faulkner University on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.