Alcorn State Lady Braves Knock Off Southeastern Louisiana in OT Behind Sanders’ Career High

HAMMOND, Louisiana -- Senior guard Tia Sanders scored a career-high 29 points and senior forward Miracle Rushing recorded a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double as the Alcorn State University women's basketball program won in overtime 84-77 over Southeastern Louisiana Friday night at the University Center.

"We've been preaching to the ladies since we started that it's going to come down to free-throws and lay-ups," said head coach Courtney G. Pruitt. "They bought into what we were saying and we were able to get the W!"

Sanders shot 8-18 from the field, 5-10 from beyond the arc, and 8-10 from the free-throw line to pace Alcorn in the victory. The Pensacola, Fla. native added six rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals.

Following Sanders in scoring was senior guard Alexus Freeman with 17 points (5-21 FG, 2-8 3FG, 5-6 FT). The SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year pulled down four boards with three assists and a steal. Rushing went 3-8 from the floor and converted 6-10 from the charity stripe. She added three assists with a steal.

The Lady Braves (1-0) shot 25-69 (.362) from the field, 8-25 (.320) from beyond the arc, and 26-40 (.650) from the free-throw line. SLU went 26-75 (.347) from the floor, 9-26 (.346) from deep, and 16-26 (.615) at the line.

With the score tied at 70-70 late in the fourth quarter, SLU found itself at the line and made both of its shots with :19 left on the clock. Alcorn wasn't done, though, as Rushing earned a trip to the charity stripe with :02 remaining. The Meridian, Miss. native answered the call, making both attempts to tie the game again and force an extra period.

In overtime, the teams went back-and forth before a Rushing layup and a pair of Freeman free-throws created some separation. SLU could not respond as the Lady Lions failed to make a shot and committed multiple turnovers, allowing Alcorn to start the season in the win column.

"We work every day on finishing in practice," added Pruitt. "We always challenge the ladies at the end of practice and make the end more difficult than the beginning. It paid off tonight as we were able to maintain mental toughness and steal one on the road from a good team."

The Lady Lions jumped out to a 12-2 lead to start the game, but a pair of long-range scores by Sanders and one from junior guard Cloe Lane allowed Alcorn to pull to within 17-13. Junior guard Kristian Dewitt made it 17-16 as she went 1-2 from the line and followed with a jumper. The hosts answered with a bucket and Rushing sank a pair of free shots as the first quarter came to a close.

In the second quarter, the Lady Braves jumped out to a 35-28 lead but could not hold off SLU as the Lady Lions used a 10-1 run to close out the half and take a 40-38 lead at the break.

Alcorn pulled away again in the second half, going up 54-47 with 6:36 to play in the third, but the home team scored seven unanswered to retake the lead. The Lady Lions were in control 65-60 heading into the final 10 minutes.

The Lady Braves scored more second-chance points (22-7). Both teams score 12 in the point. The game featured seven ties and 15 lead changes.

Alcorn returns to action next Wednesday as the Lady Braves host Lemoyne-Owen College for the squad's home-opener. The game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

NOTES

- Friday's victory marks the first against a non-conference NCAA Division I opponent since a 62-53 win at home over Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 8, 2014. It was also the first season-opening victory against a DI opponent since Nov. 22, 2002 when the Lady Braves defeated Texas State 58-56 in a neutral-site contest in Waco, Texas.

- It was the first time a season-opener went to overtime since Nov. 26, 1993 when the team fell to Auburn 71-66 at the Hobby Hilton Classic in Houston, Texas.

- Rushing's double-double is just the second of her career. She scored 10 points with 13 boards versus Alabama State on Feb. 18 last season. She needed one more charity shot to tie her career mark of seven (at USM, Nov. 25, 2016).

- Sanders' previous career scoring high was 19 points against Mississippi Valley State on Jan. 14, 2017. She tied her career highs in three-point field goals made (5), rebounds (6), and minutes played (40).

- Freeman played a career-high 43 minutes in tonight's contest. She played a full 40 minutes three times last year.

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