MOBILE, Ala. |   Alabama State received double-doubles from Clearia Peterson and Caylee Simpson, but the Hornets came up short in a 50-41 loss to Alabama A&M on Monday afternoon at the 2026 Bridge Builders Classic at the Mitchell Center.

Peterson recorded her second straight double-double and her fifth of the season, finishing with a team-high 14 points and 12 rebounds. Simpson added her fifth double-double of the year with 13 points and 10 boards as Alabama State battled throughout a tightly contested, defensive-minded matchup

Alabama State trailed 14-8 after the first quarter but responded with its best offensive stretch of the game in the second period. The Hornets shot 54 percent from the field in the quarter, outscoring Alabama A&M 15-10 to cut the deficit to one, 24-23, at halftime. Peterson and Simpson combined for 13 points in the period as Alabama State briefly seized momentum heading into the locker room

The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with neither side able to establish more than a two-possession cushion. Alabama State pulled even multiple times behind strong interior play, but Alabama A&M carried a 35-33 edge into the final 10 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, Alabama A&M used a 15-point frame to regain separation. Alabama State was limited to eight points in the period and struggled from the free-throw line for the game, converting just 4-of-15 attempts. Despite winning the rebounding battle 44-42 and scoring 34 points in the paint, the Hornets were unable to overcome 22 turnovers and cold shooting down the stretch.

Ny'Keria Flowers contributed five points, five rebounds and five assists, while Alabama State finished the game shooting 36 percent from the field. Alabama A&M was led by Kaila Walker's 15 points and Jaida Belton's 11-point, eight-rebound effort.

Alabama State returns to SWAC play on Thursday against Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.