DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. | Alabama State University women's basketball survived a furious fourth-quarter rally by Bethune-Cookman University to secure a 61-60 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory Thursday at Moore Gymnasium.
The Hornets (13-12, 10-4 SWAC) led by as many as 17 points in the third quarter before the Wildcats stormed back with a 24-point fourth period, trimming the deficit to one in the final seconds. Alabama State held firm defensively to preserve the win and continue its surge up the conference standings, having now won eight of its last nine league contests.
Balanced scoring leads Hornets
Alabama State placed three players in double figures, led by Caylee Simpson and Amari Franklin, who each scored 14 points. Simpson shot 4-of-6 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line while adding two assists and two steals. Franklin provided a spark from beyond the arc, connecting on 4 of 5 from three-point range.
Shamya Reid added eight points, including two three-pointers, while Charlese McClendon contributed eight points and a team-high eight rebounds to anchor the Hornets on the glass.
Third-quarter surge proves decisive
After taking a 27-22 lead into halftime, Alabama State delivered its most efficient stretch in the third quarter, shooting 69.2 percent from the floor and outscoring Bethune-Cookman 22-14. The Hornets' ball movement and perimeter shooting created separation, highlighted by multiple three-pointers that pushed the margin to double digits.
The Wildcats responded with a 12-2 run late in the fourth quarter, fueled by Janessa Kelley's 15 points and a 64.3 percent shooting performance in the final period. Bethune-Cookman briefly cut the deficit to one in the closing moments but could not complete the comeback.
By the numbers
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Alabama State shot 42.6 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range (8-of-14).
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The Hornets controlled the glass, out rebounding Bethune-Cookman 37-32.
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Alabama State led for 32:57 of game time.
Up next
Alabama State continues its road swing Saturday as it looks to maintain momentum in the SWACÂ against Florida A&M on Saturday.
