SWAC Tournament: Survive and Advance, JSU beats Valley 74-68

HOUSTON, Texas  -- The Jackson State women’s basketball team won its quarterfinal game 74-68 against in-state rival Mississippi Valley State Thursday morning at the Toyota Center. A game that seemed to be destined a blowout came down to the wire. The Lady Tigers had to fend off a late Devilette rally. In the last 50 seconds of play Alisa Ross scored four straight points to secure the JSU victory.

Dominique Brothern led the Lady Tigers with 16 points on 7-14 shooting from the floor.  She also had four steals and two assists. Ayanna Hardy-Fuller, an All-SWAC first team member, added 13 points and a team high eight rebounds. She was 6-8 from the field. Ross came off the bench to score 11 points on 4-10 shooting from the field and Ayanna Lynn scored 10 points on 4-10 shooting.

For the game JSU shot 39.2% from the field (29-74), 14.3% from three-point range 91-7) and 57.7% from the free throw line (15-26). JSU forced 31 Valley turnovers that led to 34 Lady Tiger points. JSU also dominated Valley in the paint, holding a 40-22 edge. Valley held the rebounding advantage (45-44).

“I was not very happy with our execution at time, but I was happy with the way our team fought for the entire game,” said JSU head coach Surina Dixon.

JSU opened the first half with swarming defensive pressure that led to 17 Valley turnovers. By the 16:56 mark, the Lady Tigers led Valley 10-7. Valley took the lead mid-way through the first half when Hardy-Fuller and Bridgette Robinson were saddled with two fouls. The Devilettes built a six point lead by 10:43 mark. However the Lady Tigers continued to fight and went on a 9-3 run to end the first half, cutting the Valley lead to 37-36 by halftime. Lynn led JSU in first half scoring with 10 points and Dominique Brothern followed with eight points. Alisa Ross, Brittney Jones and Hardy-Fuller each had four points.

The Lady Tigers return to action Friday, Mar. 14 at noon to take on the No. 2 seed Texas Southern Lady Tigers in the semifinal round.

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COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS