Montgomery, AL --- The Grambling State Lady Tigers suffered their first loss in eight games tonight in a tough54-43, loss to the Lady Hornets of Alabama State in the ASU Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
The Lady Tigers struggles began early as they trailed, 14-3, midway through the first half and continued throughout most of the period as Alabama State extended their lead to as much as 17 at 28-11 with 1:20 remaining in the period before finally holding a 28-13 lead at the break. Grambling struggled offensively recording only two field goals on 2-of-17 shooting but had a solid performance at the free throw line knocking down 9-of -12. The teams were evenly matched on the boards as they recorded 13 rebounds apiece.
In the second half the Lady Tigers woes continued falling behind by as much as 40-18 at the 12:42 mark before staging a comeback that would bring them no closer than eleven. The Lady Tigers run would be sparked by an intense defense that created scoring opportunities as Grambling converted 13 ASU turnovers into 15 points. GSU shot 21-percent from the field on 9-of-44 shooting, while the Lady Hornets converted 18-of-38 for 47-percent.
Grambling (13-12, 10-6 SWAC) was lead by Whitney Brown and Jasher Blocker who turned in eight points and four rebounds apiece. Wymeka Randle who returned tonight after missing the past month with an injury sustained against Mississippi Valley recorded seven points with two blocked shots and two rebounds.
Braina Thomas recorded a game high of 15 points with six rebounds for ASU. Tanika Jackson turned in a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Grambling will wrap up their regular season Saturday night as they travel over to Huntsville to face the Lady Bulldogs of Alabama A&M.
-GSU-