AAMU Women's Basketball Down Murray State, 69-62

NORMAL. Alabama - The day after the 2013 fall commencement services in T.M. Elmore Gymnasium, the women's basketball team of Alabama A&M earned their first victory of the season, defeating the Racers of Murray State University 69-62.

The home squad entered today's contest at 0-6 in hopes of getting their first win of the 2013-14 season, and the first win under first year head coach Semeka Randall. After 40 minutes of play, they did just that, and "The Hill" was the site for back-to-back joyous occasions.

The first half saw the Bulldogs shot out to an early lead. With just 13 minutes left in the half, A&M topped the visitors 17-7. After going down by 10, MSU increased their play and chipped away at the deficit, and took the lead after a 19-4 run. At the end of the first period, the home squad took a 31-27 deficit into the break.

Statistically the teams were virtually even, the only oblivious disparity having an impact of the run of play was in points off turnovers; A&M had two (off eight) while the Racers 12 (off nine).



Leading the way for the Maroon and White in the first was Brittany Strickland with 10 points, and Alganese Gatson with seven.

As a team, the Bulldogs shot 35.5 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the charity strip.

In the second half of play, A&M came out determined to regain the lead that they had in the first half of play. After five minutes of play and an 8-3 run, the Maroon and White found themselves up 35-34. The Bulldogs would not relinquish the lead and went on to win the game 69-62.

The second half saw a determined A&M bunch rally to dominate their opponent. At the end of 40, the Bulldogs outscored the visitors in fast break points 8-2, and points in the paint 30-16.

A&M had three players score double figures, and three players tally eight or more rebounds. Leading the way was senior Jasmine Sanders who earned a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Maroon & White will return to action December 17, when they host South Carolina State.

Box Score    

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION