MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Clearia Peteron scoerd 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds helped Alabama State University women's basketball secure a 59–53 home victory over South Carolina State on Friday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
The Lady Hornets (3–6) trailed 15–12 after the opening quarter before finding their rhythm offensively in the second period. Alabama State outscored the Lady Bulldogs 15–11 in the quarter to take a narrow 27–26 lead into halftime, aided by second-chance points and timely scoring in the paint
Alabama State took control in the third quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field and outscoring South Carolina State 19–17. Clearia Peterson was a key presence inside, finishing through contact and cleaning up on the offensive glass as the Lady Hornets built their largest lead of the night at seven points.
South Carolina State made several pushes in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to as few as four points, but Alabama State answered each run with defensive stops and crucial baskets. Peterson opened the quarter with a layup, and the Lady Hornets closed the game at the free-throw line to preserve the six-point win
Peterson led Alabama State with a game-high 17 points and 15 rebounds, recording a double-double and anchoring the Lady Hornets' dominance on the boards. Taylor Smith added 12 points, while Charlese McClendon chipped in 10 points off the bench. Alabama State finished with a 50–31 rebounding advantage and scored 18 second-chance points, which proved decisive.
South Carolina State (3–9) was led by Shaunice Reed with 14 points and Angie Juste-Jean with 13, but the Lady Bulldogs were held to 30 percent shooting for the game and just 3-of-20 from beyond the arc
The Hornets wrap up the pre Holiday schedule with a 6:30 p.m. contest st Mississippi State on Wed., Nov. 17 in Starkville, Miss.
