Freeman Stuffs Stat Sheet in Lady Braves 61-56 Setback at UAPB

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Junior Alexus Freeman tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals but the Navasota, Texas, native's three-ball attempt rimmed out with 10 seconds left to play, ultimately resulting in a 61-56 defeat against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Monday night at H.O. Clemmons Arena.

While the Lady Braves (8-16, 8-5 SWAC) totaled their first 50-percent shooting performance of the season Saturday, the tables were turned as the Lady Lions (11-13, 8-5 SWAC) reached that same mark tonight.

Alcorn took 21 more shot attempts than UAPB but converted two less. The Lady Braves had three players foul out, including Freeman, fellow junior Tia Sanders and senior Henrietta Wells. Wells only played 22 minutes, which likely played a key factor in Alcorn suffering a 50-35 rebounding disadvantage.

The Lady Braves did force 27 turnovers, the second-most in a SWAC game this season only behind their 28 takeaways during a win at Jackson State. Consequently, Alcorn boasted a 32-13 margin in points off of turnovers and tied a season high with 16 steals. The Lady Braves also concluded the contest with a 14-5 edge in second-chance points.

Unfortunately, the charity stripe and long ball were not as kind. Alcorn made just 11-of-24 from the free-throw line and 3-of-18 from beyond the arc.

Freeman was the lone student-athlete in double figures followed by senior Tori Spann and junior Miracle Rushing who notched nine apiece. Spann has scored nine points in five of the last six games. Sanders, meanwhile, matched Freeman's five steals, marking the third time this season to touch that career best.

UAPB was fronted by Niya Head's game-high 13 points and Shawntayla Harris' double-double as she earned 13 points and 13 boards.

The Lady Braves held a slight 31-30 lead at halftime, forcing eight turnovers while outscoring the Lady Lions 15-13 in the second quarter. A steal by Sanders led to a Freeman layup on the other end which cut into the deficit at 24-20 with 4:12 left in the opening half.

Alcorn would force two additional turnovers in back-to-back possessions, resulting in a 6-0 run and a 26-24 lead after two Wells free throws.

The Lady Braves then missed their first seven shots of the second half before back-to-back layups from Rushing sparked an 8-0 run to put Alcorn back within striking distance at 41-39.

Senior Brianna Luton nailed a trifecta at 5:28 in the fourth that concluded a seven-point spurt for the Lady Braves to put them back within a possession at 52-50. Alcorn then hit another cold spell, missing six straight shots which allowed the UAPB to pull away.

The Lady Braves return to action in their final two home games of the regular season Saturday and Monday versus Alabama State and Alabama A&M, respectively. Alcorn has proven the ability to bounce back, posting a 4-0 record in league play after losses.   

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