Skip To Main Content

Alabama State University Athletics

6 Ny'Keria Flowers SWAC WBB Tournament
David Campbell
50
Grambling GSU 13-19,10-8 SWAC
56
Winner Alabama St. ALST 16-14,12-6 SWAC
Grambling GSU
13-19,10-8 SWAC
50
Final
56
Alabama St. ALST
16-14,12-6 SWAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Grambling GSU 15 6 18 11 50
Alabama St. ALST 14 11 14 17 56

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Fred Sington

Hornets Down Grambling to Advance To SWAC Women's Basketball Semifinals

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. | Alabama State University women's basketball used a clutch fourth quarter effort to claim 56–50 victory over Grambling State University on Thursday at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, 

Alabama State moved on to the SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2023.

The Hornets leaned on balanced scoring and timely defense, with Ny'Keria Flowers and Caylee Simpson leading the way offensively as Alabama State University pulled away late in a tightly contested quarterfinal matchup.

First Half

Grambling opened the game with early momentum, edging Alabama State 15–14 in the first quarter. The Tigers capitalized on transition opportunities and perimeter shooting to briefly control the tempo.

Alabama State responded in the second quarter with improved defensive pressure and better shot selection. The Hornets held Grambling to just six points in the period while taking an 11–6 scoring edge, allowing Alabama State to carry a narrow 25–21 halftime lead.

Flowers was instrumental during the stretch, helping initiate offense and controlling the pace while the Hornets began to establish an inside presence.

Third Quarter

Grambling came out of the locker room aggressively and outscored Alabama State 18–14 in the third quarter, briefly regaining the lead as the Tigers found success attacking the paint.

Despite the surge, Alabama State remained composed. Simpson helped stabilize the offense with key baskets and ball movement as the teams entered the final period nearly even.

Fourth Quarter Push

The Hornets delivered their strongest stretch in the final 10 minutes, outscoring Grambling 17–11 in the fourth quarter to close out the six-point victory.

Alabama State's defense proved decisive down the stretch. The Hornets forced difficult shots and limited second opportunities while converting critical free throws late in the game.

Flowers and Simpson provided the scoring punch during the closing run, helping Alabama State stretch its lead in the final minutes and secure the win.

Key Performances

  • Ny'Keria Flowers – Double-figure scoring performance while contributing across the stat sheet with assists and rebounds.

  • Caylee Simpson – Finished in double figures and delivered several key baskets during the Hornets' second-half run.

  • Amari Franklin and Alanah Pooler also contributed valuable minutes, helping facilitate the offense and maintain defensive pressure.

For Grambling, Shaniah Nunn led the Tigers' effort offensively while Monica Marsh and Jakiylah Esco added support in the scoring column.

By the Numbers

  • Alabama State shot 19-of-53 (36%) from the field.

  • The Hornets outscored Grambling 28–20 in the paint and 12–2 in fast-break points, highlighting their ability to capitalize in transition.

  • Grambling struggled offensively, shooting just 25% (16-of-64) from the floor.

Up Next

With the win, Alabama State advances to the SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals, marking the program's first trip to the league's final four since 2023.

Print Friendly Version