ASU Lady Hornets Defeat Samford In Overtime

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Led behind the efforts of senior Nakiya Smith's 12 points the Lady Hornets of Alabama State defeated the Bulldogs of Samford University in an overtime victory, Wednesday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

A slow first half saw the Lady Hornets down 20-15, with 11 turnovers to add to the damage.  Alabama State couldn't find their rhythm from the beginning and the shots just weren't falling, shooting only 23 percent from the field (6-26) in the first half. The Lady Hornets attacked the boards hard grabbing 21 rebounds with center Quentori Alford getting four. Smith led the team with four points in the half.

"Our girls had great discipline which is what we have been working on leading into this game," said head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. "Samford is a good team that plays with that international stlye. They love to go backdoor and shoot the ball deep we defended them great.   We think we have really got the ladies (said of ASU) to buy into the concept that defense wins ball games. "

The Lady Hornets came out strong in the second half as they held Samford to only 15 points as they scored 40. Alford recorded six points and 6 rebounds before the Lady Bulldogs were still able to push the game in to overtime.  

Alabama State (4-1) secured the game for the Lady Hornets by making a series of crucial shots.  Alford led on the boards with 11 rebounds and being one point shy of a double-double with only nine points.

"Alford Started off slow in the first half but she really stepped up and was there for us in the second half when we needed her the most," stated Freeman-Jackson.  "Nakiya did what we was looking for out of her, she was taking good shots in regulation but just couldn't get them to stay down, in overtime she gave us that separation we needed to win the game."

Samford (2-5) was led by Ellen Riggins with 15 points and Christy Robinson who had seven.  Krista Stricklin was the leading rebounder for Samford with 13.

The Lady Hornets shot 70 percent from the striped line (12-17), while Samford was 14-22 shooting 63 percent.  Alabama State out rebounded Samford 41-32.

Alabama State will return to play on Saturday as they travel to Starkville, Miss. to face the Bulldogs of Mississippi State.  Game time is set for 5 p.m.

Box Score

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION