Box Score RUSTON, La. – Pressure and aggression were the name of the game for Alcorn State University women's basketball (2-6) as they battled with Louisiana Tech University (3-9) in a Saturday contest at Thomas Assembly Center. The Lady Braves showed great determination but fell to the Lady Techsters, 47-49.
The first quarter saw Alcorn come out firing on all cylinders as
Nakia Cheatham and Akryiale Ford racked up seven rebounds between the pair. Four of the five starters (Cheatham, Ford,
Ashanti Backus, Zy'Nyia White) were able to score a basket to make the score 11-15, in favor of Louisiana Tech, at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Lady Braves began to bring the pressure. Rebounding and good defense helped Alcorn pull away. ASU made a 15-point run during the quarter with precise lay ups and jump shots. Quick layups by
Nakia Cheatham made the score 24-20 with 2:58 left in the second quarter.
At halftime, Alcorn went into the locker room leading by three points. The start of the third quarter saw ASU plagued by fouls in aggressive play for the rebound. The Lady Braves picked up three quick fouls within the first four minutes of the quarter. At the end of the third, Alcorn led the Lady Techsters, 39-37.
Alcorn came out swinging in the fourth quarter and put Louisiana Tech's back to the wall. The teams exchanged baskets and turnover for much of the quarter. With one minute left, Louisiana Tech's Salma Banks sank a corner three pointer to douse the Lady Braves run, 47-49.
Cheatham led the way for ASU with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. She was followed by Zy'Nyia White with 10 points.
Tyginae Wright kept the offense moving with three assists and three steals.
Collectively, Alcorn went 44.9 percent from the field, 25 percent from the line, and scored 30 points in the paint.
Anna Larr Roberson was the leader for Louisiana Tech with 15 points and six rebounds. She was followed by Bastes with 14 points. Silvia Nativi led the team in rebounds with six.
As a team, the Lady Techster went 32.1 percent from the field, 61.5 percent from the stripe, and score 12 paint points.
The Lady Braves will be back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Davey L. Whitney Complex as they face off with University of New Orleans. Tip-off is set for noon.
