The Alabama State University Hornets suffered a loss at home to the Grambling State University 70-61 Saturday afternoon in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The Hornets losing streak extends to five games.
The starting lineup consisted of Kaitlyn Bryant, Taylor Smith, Ashley Gray and Amari Franklin as the Hornets were without star forward Cordasia Harris.
Bryant led the team in scoring with 19 points and added two steals. Smith contributed with 12 points and two steals.
Tigers senior point guard Kahia Warmsley put up a team-high 16 points in the win.
The Hornet defense forced 14 turnovers but only scored eight points off of the turnovers.The Hornets out rebounded the Tigers 30-28.
The Hornets started the contest with a 7-0 run to take a 7-2 lead. Smith assisted on a 3-pointer by Alanah Pooler to cap off the run.
Tigers center Lydia Freeman was fouled by Bryant on a layup. She went to the free-throw line and made both attempts.
The Tigers regain the lead after a pair of free-throws by Warmsley. The Tigers used free-throw opportunities to add on to their lead.
Tigers point guard Douthsine Prien stole the ball from Franklin and took it to the other side of the court for a fastbreak score.
Smith assisted on a bucket made in the paint by center Camariyana Tavares with 5:28 remaining until halftime.
Warmsley recorded a steal and a fastbreak layup. The Tigers entered halftime on top 36-34.
The Tigers built on their lead coming out of halftime.
Tigers forward Alyssa Phillip scored in the paint and made the score 50-44. Smith converted a pair of free-throws after being sent to the foul line by Warmsley.
Gray’s 3-pointer kick started a 5-0 run by the Hornets to trim the deficit to 55-50.
Tigers guard Sharonica Hartsfield grabbed a defensive rebound after Pooler missed her shot. Pooler picked up another foul, sending Freeman to the line with 3:15 remaining.
As time began to run out, the Hornets intentionally fouled to preserve time but it was too late.