MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University women's basketball suffered its first Southwestern Athletic Conference loss of the season Thursday night, falling 49-40 to Alcorn State at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

The Hornets (5-9, 2-1 SWAC) led at the half but struggled offensively in the second half as the Lady Braves (5-8, 2-0 SWAC) used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away.

Alabama State carried a 20-17 advantage into halftime after holding Alcorn State to just five points in the second quarter. The Hornets limited the Lady Braves to 2-of-18 shooting in the period, but were unable to create separation, managing only five points of their own in the quarter.

Alcorn State seized control coming out of the locker room, outscoring Alabama State 18-12 in the third quarter to take a 35-32 lead. The Lady Braves leaned on their inside play and trips to the free-throw line, while the Hornets struggled to find consistent scoring rhythm.

The momentum carried into the fourth quarter as Alcorn State extended its lead to as many as 12 points with 3:40 remaining. Alabama State was held to 3-of-13 shooting in the final period and scored just eight points over the last 10 minutes.

Clearia Peterson led Alabama State with seven points and a game-high 12 rebounds, recording a double-digit rebounding effort. Shamya Reid added nine points, while Alanah Pooler finished with eight points for the Hornets.

Alabama State shot 28.0 percent from the field (14-for-50) and 19.0 percent from beyond the arc (4-for-21), while Alcorn State connected on 32.7 percent of its shots. The Lady Braves also held a 44-32 advantage on the glass and scored 26 points in the paint.

Despite forcing 18 turnovers, the Hornets were unable to convert consistently, managing just nine points off turnovers. Alcorn State countered with 13 points off Alabama State miscues and added nine fast-break points.

Alabama State hosts rival Jackson State on Saturday at noon.