The Lady Braves played some tenacious defense tonight forcing Jackson State to turn the ball over 25 times in a 76-69 victory tonight at the Lee E. Williams Athletics Assembly Center.
From the beginning of the tip-off, the Lady Braves were clicking on almost every cylinder jumping out to a 14-5 lead. Â
Jackson State quickly closed the gap to 17-16 going on a 12-4 run in the next few minutes.
The Lady Braves increased their lead once again on a three-pointer by
Olivia Brown making the score 28-20 with 4:51 to go before the half.
Jackson State earned their first lead of the game, 30-29 on a layup by Dominique Brothern with 2:28 to go in the half.
Jazmin Strane hit a pair of free throws and
Dayshanay Russell made a layup to regain the lead 33-30. Â
The Lady Braves led at the half 33-32.
Olivia Brown came out firing away by nailing a three-pointer to give the Lady Braves a 36-32 lead.
Jackson State's Demara Howard scored nine of the Lady Tigers next 14 points to put her team up 46-43.
Seconds later,
Norianna Haynes hit a basket and one to retake the lead for the Lady Braves 49-48.
The Lady Braves continued to streak behind Brown when she hit a bassline jumper to give the Lady Braves a 59-52.
Jackson State battled back to take a 61-60 lead with 7:27 to play.
But the Lady Braves just wouldn't give up closing out the half on a 14-4 run.
Haynes led all scorers with a game-high 23 points. Â
Olivia Brown added 19 points while Jazmine Strane collected her first double-double of the season scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
The Lady Braves return to action Monday night as they travel to Grambling, La. to face the Lady Tigers of Grambling State at 5:30 p.m.
