MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama State women's basketball team fell 70-61 to the Grambling State University on Saturday at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
The Hornets (5-18, 3-8) had three players score in double figures, led by Kaitlyn Bryant, who had 19 points and two steals. Taylor Smith added 12 points and two steals and Ashley Gray helped out with 10 points off the bench.
Led by Alanah Pooler's four offensive rebounds, Alabama State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in eight second chance points.
The Alabama State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 14 Grambling turnovers. Those takeaways turned into four points on the other end of the floor. Amari Franklin led the way individually for the Hornets with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Alabama State went on a 7-0 run with 9:29 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Pooler, to take a 7-2 lead. The Hornets then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 20-18.
Grambling kept adding to that lead, building a 32-27 advantage before Alabama State went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three from Smith, to tie the game at 32. Grambling then took control, putting the Hornets at a 36-34 disadvantage heading into halftime.
Grambling continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 55-45 advantage before Alabama State went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Gray, to trim its deficit to 55-50 with four seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter. Alabama State took advantage of three Grambling turnovers in the quarter, scoring four points off of takeaways.
Alabama State could not pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 70-61. Alabama State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 11 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Hornets shot well from three point range, knocking down five of 11 long range attempts.
» Alabama State lost despite a 30-28 rebounding advantage.
» The Alabama State defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Alabama State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Kaitlyn Bryant led the Hornets with a game-high 19 points.
» Alabama State got a game-high seven rebounds from Alanah Pooler.
Up Next: Alabama State travels to Mississippi Valley State on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Itta Bena, Miss.
