TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Charlese McClendon pulled down 21 rebounds to help Alabama State women's basketball team knock off the Florida A&M University 62-59 on Saturday..
McClendon added 12 points to her 21-rebound game for the Lady Hornets (14-12, 11-4). Shamya Reid helped out with 11 points and Taylor Smith chipped in with seven points and five assists.
Alabama State out-rebounded Florida A&M 49-35 in Saturday's game, led by McClendon's 21 boards. The Lady Hornets also collected 19 offensive rebounds and scored 14 second chance points.
The Alabama State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 17 Florida A&M turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 20 points on the offensive end of the floor. Caylee Simpson led the way individually for the Lady Hornets with two steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Alabama State went on an 8-0 run with 8:31 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Simpson, to take an 8-2 lead. The Lady Hornets then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 17-12.
The Lady Hornets fought back in the second period, narrowing the deficit to 30-29 by the time halftime rolled around.
Florida A&M continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 33-31 advantage before Alabama State went on an 8-0 run, punctuated by a three from Reid, to grab a 39-33 lead with 6:28 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Rattlers had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Lady Hornets still entered the fourth quarter with a 48-43 edge. Alabama State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 19 points in the paint.
Alabama State kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Simpson's layup, to grow the lead to 58-51 with 4:32 to go in the contest. The Rattlers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Lady Hornets still held on for the 62-59 win. Alabama State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Charlese McClendon notched a double-double for the Lady Hornets with 12 points and 21 rebounds.
» The Lady Hornets held the Rattlers to only 35.7 percent shooting from the field.
» The Alabama State bench came alive by scoring 22 points to its scoring output.
» Alabama State had a 49-35 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Alabama State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Alabama State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Charlese McClendon led the Lady Hornets with 12 points.
» Charlese McClendon dominated the boards with a game-high 21 rebounds to lead Alabama State.
Alabama State travels to Alabama A&M on Saturday in Huntsville, Ala.
