Lorman, MS – Alcorn State (2-12, 0-4) surrendered a 19-point lead, as they fall to Grambling State (6-9, 3-1) Monday night.
Alcorn played one of their best first halves of the season by shooting 56.3% from the floor, accounting for 5 blocks, and out rebounding GSU 22-11. The Lady Braves started the game on an 18-4 run, highlighted by NORIANNA HAYNES scoring 12 of the first 18 points. Alcorn State led by as much as 14 points in the first quarter, but the Lady Tigers kept fighting and ended the quarter down by eight. Alcorn scored 11 straight to take a 47-28 lead with 1-minute left in the first half. Grambling State's Jazmine Boyd shot back-to-back 3-pointers to get within 13 going into intermission.
In the first half, Haynes was a rebound shy of a double-double, scoring 22 points, and grabbing 9 rebounds (2 offense and 7 defense); HENRIETTA WELLS recorded four blocks, but got into foul trouble towards the end of the half.
The second half was the polar opposite for the Lady Braves.
In the third quarter, Grambling State came out of intermission and scored 12 straight points to bring the score within one. A jumper by Tori Spann gave Alcorn State a three-point lead. Alcorn would end the quarter on an 11-8 run and take an eight point advantage into the fourth.
GSU started the quarter much like the third on an 11-5 run to take the lead on another Boyd 3-point jumper with six minutes to go. Grambling did not relinquish their lead. Alcorn would lower the deficit to one with 2:47 left on the clock on a BRIANNA LUTON 3-pointer. That would be the closest the Lady Braves would get. The Lady Tigers ended the game scoring eight straight.
Alcorn's hot start dwindled in the second half as they were outscored 51-29.
Haynes and GSU's Boyd scored a game high 34 points. Haynes recorded her fifth double double and her third straight. Wells collected her fifth block; she has tallied 18 blocks in conference play, and 43 on the season. ASHTIN MCNICHOLS and BRIANNA LUTON both scored 10 points for the Lady Braves. GSU's Shakyla Hill contributed 24 points and eight rebounds.
Alcorn State travels to Itta Bena, Mississippi to face Mississippi Valley State (3-10, 1-2) Saturday, Jan. 16th
