The Alabama State University Lady Hornets embarked on a challenging journey against the formidable Florida A&M University Lady Rattlers. The stage was set for a clash of determination and skill, as the Hornets sought victory on the road, ultimately falling short with a final score of 70-66 on Feb. 24.
The game began with a promising start for the Hornets, showcasing their strength in the midst of the paint as they secured a narrow 16-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Forward Cordasia Harris led the charge, displaying an impressive all-around performance with 20 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. The Hornets’ bench, a force to be reckoned with, came alive with a remarkable 20-point contribution to the team’s scoring effort.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Hornets found themselves in a back-and-forth battle. A resilient 6-0 run propelled them to a 24-22 lead, only to see the Lady Rattlers counter and head into halftime with a 38-32 advantage.
Undeterred by the deficit, the Lady Hornets staged a comeback in the third quarter. A 5-0 run, punctuated by a three-pointer from guard Solangelei Akridge, trimmed the margin to 52-50. The Lady Hornets capitalized on turnovers, converting five takeaways into crucial points.
The fourth quarter brought intense moments as the Lady Rattlers widened their lead to 65-56. However, the Lady Hornets rallied once again, embarking on a 5-0 run, highlighted by Akridge’s three-pointer, to bring the score to 65-61 with 2:24 left in the contest. Despite a spirited effort and significant contributions from the bench, the Lady Hornets could not close the gap further, ultimately falling short with a final score of 70-66.
In the post-game analysis, the Lady Hornets celebrated the depth of their bench, acknowledging the pivotal 20-point boost to the team’s scoring output. The defense forced 16 turnovers and accumulating five blocks as a team. Harris emerged as a standout performer.
As the Lady Hornets reflect on this hard-fought battle, the lessons learned and the resilience displayed should become the driving force for their future endeavors as they head into tournament play.
With four games remaining in the season, the Lady Hornets prepare to face the Lady Wildcats of Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida on Monday, Feb. 26.