MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State nearly erased a massive deficit, but the rally ultimately came up short as the Lady Hornets fell to Grambling State 68–50 in SWAC play Thursday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
Grambling controlled much of the contest and built a lead that reached 20 points early in the third quarter before Alabama State mounted its comeback attempt.
After struggling offensively in the opening half, Alabama State found its rhythm in the third period. The Lady Hornets erupted for 25 points in the quarter, using an aggressive attack in the paint and second-chance opportunities to chip away at the deficit. Alabama State went 10-of-18 from the field during the period and produced a 12-point run that cut the Grambling advantage significantly after trailing by as many as 20 with 8:50 left in the third quarter.
Despite the surge, the Tigers regrouped in the final period. Grambling limited Alabama State to just two field goals in the fourth quarter and used a 9–0 run late to put the game out of reach.
Charlese McClendon led Alabama State with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting while adding four rebounds. Shamya Reid and Amari Franklin each finished with nine points, while Clearia Peterson recorded a double-double with nine points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
Ny'Keria Flowers contributed five rebounds and two points for the Lady Hornets, who finished with a 57–34 advantage on the glass but were hampered by 28 turnovers.
Grambling was led by Alieghya Bartholomew, who scored a game-high 20 points behind six made three-pointers. Zaria Johnson and Douthsine Prien added 11 points each, while Shaniah Nunn chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Tigers shot 37.7 percent from the field and knocked down nine three-pointers in the victory. Alabama State shot 29.7 percent overall and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Grambling led 19–7 after the first quarter and 36–17 at halftime before Alabama State's third-quarter push briefly shifted momentum.
Alabama State fell to 15–14 overall and 12–6 in SWAC play, while Grambling improved to 13–18 overall and 10–8 in conference action.
