PINE BLUFF, Ark. | Alanah Pooler knocked down the game-tying free throws with 35 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime and Amari Franklin put the Alabama State Univeristy women's basketball team ahead for good with 3:50 to go the extra period to give the Hornets a 68-63 win over the UAPB Golden Lions on Saturday.
The Hornets (6-19, 4-9) had three players score in double figures, led by Franklin, who had 19 points. Cordasia Harris added a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds and Kristian Jackson chipped in as well with 12 points and three steals from the bench.
Harris pulled down five offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Alabama State, grabbing 11 boards and turning them into nine second chance points.
Alabama State forced 21 UAPB turnovers. The Hornets turned those takeaways into 20 points on the other end of the floor. Jackson's three steals led the way for Alabama State.
How It Happened
After falling behind 11-0, Alabama State went on a 6-0 run with 3:55 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Franklin, to narrow its deficit to 11-6. UAPB answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Hornets down 14-6 entering the second quarter.
UAPB kept adding to that lead, building a 22-7 advantage before Alabama State went on a 12-0 run to narrow its deficit to 22-19. The Hornets continued to chip away, reducing the UAPB lead to 24-23 heading into the break.
The Hornets then outscored UAPB 16-14 in the third period to overtake the Golden Lions and grab a 39-38 lead heading into quarter number four. Alabama State took advantage of five UAPB turnovers in the quarter, scoring eight points off of takeaways.
Alabama State started tacking on points in the fourth almost immediately, going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Jackson's layup, to grow the lead to 46-38 with 7:37 to go in the fourth. The Golden Lions then fought back to even things up at 54-54 and send the game to overtime. Alabama State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 15 points in the paint.
Alabama State then took care of business in extra time, outscoring UAPB 14-9 to seize victory by the 68-63 final score.
Game Notes
» Alabama State snapped an 18-game road losing skid with the win over UAPB.
» Cordasia Harris notched a double-double for the seventh time this season with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
» The Hornets held the Golden Lions to only 34.5 percent shooting from the field.
» The Alabama State defense forced 21 turnovers.
» Alabama State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Amari Franklin led the Hornets with 19 points.
» Alabama State got a game-high 13 rebounds from Cordasia Harris.
