PINE BLUFF, Ark.| Clearia Peterson posted a double-double and Alabama State University opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a 71-65 overtime victory at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday at H.O. Clemmons Arena.

Peterson finished with 14 points and a career-high 16 rebounds to lead three Lady Hornets in double figures as Alabama State (4-8, 1-0 SWAC) outscored UAPB 16-10 in the extra period to secure its first league win of the season.

Shamya Reid scored a team-high 16 points, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers, while Caylee Simpson added 11 points off the bench. Charlese McClendon anchored the interior with 13 rebounds to go along with nine points.

The game was tightly contested throughout, featuring 10 lead changes and seven ties. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-8, 0-1) carried a 43-36 advantage late in the third quarter, but Alabama State closed the gap and forced overtime behind a 19-point fourth quarter.

Alabama State seized control in overtime by attacking the paint and converting at the free-throw line, going 8 of 10 from the stripe in the extra session. The Lady Hornets finished with a 42-26 edge in points in the paint and a 15-5 advantage in fast-break points.

Indiya Bowen led all scorers with 29 points for the Golden Lions, while Jailah Pelly added 14 points. UAPB struggled at the foul line, shooting 13 of 27 overall, including 5 of 8 in overtime.

Alabama State will continues SWAC play on the road against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Itta Bena, Miss.