LORMAN – Alcorn State women's basketball battled to the final seconds but came up short in a 63-59 loss to Mississippi Valley State on Thursday evening at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex. The game was a back-and-forth battle that featured six ties and four lead changes, with the Devilettes pulling away late.
Kailyn Watkins led the Lady Braves with 16 points, shooting 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Destiny Brown delivered an all-around performance with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals while adding a game-high four blocks.
Zy'Nyia White added 10 points and six rebounds, and Sharmayne Finley provided a spark off the bench with nine points.
Despite a dominant first half, Alcorn struggled in the third quarter, scoring just five points, which allowed Mississippi Valley State to take control. The Lady Braves made a strong push in the fourth but were unable to complete the comeback.
GAME RECAP
First Quarter – Alcorn 19, Mississippi Valley 14
- The Lady Braves came out firing, shooting 50% from the field in the opening quarter.
- Watkins and Brown set the tone offensively, combining for nine points early.
- Alcorn's defense forced five turnovers, limiting Mississippi Valley's scoring opportunities.
Second Quarter – Alcorn 34, Mississippi Valley 30
- The Lady Braves maintained their lead behind strong rebounding, outworking Mississippi Valley on the boards.
- White and Cheathman provided key contributions, combining for eight points in the quarter.
- Mississippi Valley stayed within striking distance by getting to the free-throw line, hitting four crucial free throws before halftime.
Third Quarter – Mississippi Valley 43, Alcorn 39
- Alcorn struggled offensively, making just one field goal in the quarter and scoring five total points.
- Mississippi Valley took advantage, going on a 10-2 run to take the lead late in the period.
- The Lady Braves' defense remained strong, holding the Devilettes to just 36.4% shooting in the quarter.
Fourth Quarter – Mississippi Valley 63, Alcorn 59
- Alcorn fought back in the final period, scoring 20 points while forcing four turnovers.
- Watkins and Brown came up big with key baskets and defensive stops to keep the game within reach.
- Mississippi Valley sealed the game at the free-throw line, going 13-for-19 in the quarter to hold off the Lady Braves.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 16 – Kailyn Watkins led the Lady Braves in scoring with 16 points.
- 11 – Destiny Brown stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four blocks.
- 30 – Alcorn's bench contributed 30 points, led by Finley's nine.
- 7.7% – The Lady Braves struggled from beyond the arc, making just 1-of-13 three-pointers.
UP NEXT
The Lady Braves (6-15, 4-6 SWAC) will look to bounce back when they host Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, February 8. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. CST at the Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex.
Follow Alcorn State women's Basketball on Twitter (@BravesWBB) for all the latest news and updates. For all Alcorn State Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports) and YouTube (Alcorn State Sports).
