Niceville, Fl. - Alcorn State opened play at the Emerald Coast Classic on Monday afternoon, falling 65–51 to Mississippi State inside Raider Arena in Niceville. After a cold first quarter, the Lady Braves steadily climbed into a rhythm, outscoring the Bulldogs in the final period and showing strong stretches on both ends of the floor as the game wore on.
Mississippi State set the early tone, taking a 17–4 lead after the first quarter. Alcorn responded with improved execution in the second, highlighted by a late three from Maya Claytor to spark momentum heading into halftime. The Lady Braves continued to build on that pace after the break, shooting 33 percent from the field in the third quarter and finishing the fourth with their most productive frame of the afternoon.
Kiarra Henderson delivered an efficient performance, finishing with 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting while adding four rebounds. Claytor provided timely scoring with 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers to fuel the offense. Nakia Cheatham added 11 points, five rebounds, and a steal, while Dalayja Hurt-Floyd contributed six points, four assists, and steady defensive pressure throughout the afternoon. Lauren Nelson and Jeanee Anderson added key fourth-quarter production, with Nelson hitting a three and Anderson scoring two free throws to help close Alcorn's late run.
Alcorn held Mississippi State to just 29.4 percent shooting in the fourth quarter while putting up 22 points of its own, its best offensive period of the contest.
The Lady Braves continue play in the Emerald Coast Classic on Tuesday, facing Providence at 11 a.m. as tournament action resumes.
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