HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alcorn State women's basketball faced a challenging road environment Saturday afternoon, falling 76–34 to Alabama A&M at the AAMU Event Center. Despite the final score, the Lady Braves continued to compete and gain valuable experience against a physical Bulldogs squad.
Alabama A&M jumped out to an early advantage, holding Alcorn State scoreless from the field in the opening minutes and building an 18–4 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Lady Braves responded in the second period with improved ball movement and perimeter shooting, outscoring their first-quarter total and finding rhythm offensively. Lauren Nelson sparked that surge by connecting on a pair of three-pointers, while Arene Iyekekpolor and Leyah Houston added baskets inside to help Alcorn State trim the margin to 39–18 at halftime.
Kiarra Henderson anchored the Lady Braves throughout the contest, finishing with eight points and a team-high seven rebounds while going 6-for-10 from the free-throw line. Her activity on both ends provided steady leadership, as she also recorded two steals and worked consistently on the glass. Nelson led the team in scoring with seven points, while Maya Claytor added six points, all from beyond the arc, knocking down two three-pointers in the second half. Nakia Cheatham contributed four points, four assists, and two rebounds, and Iyekekpolor chipped in three points and three rebounds off the bench.
In the third quarter, Alcorn State showed flashes of momentum, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Claytor that briefly cut into the deficit. The Lady Braves continued to compete defensively, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, but Alabama A&M's efficiency ultimately proved decisive as the Bulldogs maintained consistent scoring pressure throughout the second half.
Alcorn State finished the game with 27 rebounds and forced 13 Alabama A&M turnovers, with Dalayja Hurt-Floyd adding two steals in limited minutes. While shooting percentages proved difficult on the road, the Lady Braves continued to battle for loose balls and second-chance opportunities until the final horn.
The Lady Braves now turn their attention back home, where they will host Prairie View A&M on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Davey L. Whitney Complex, looking to regroup and build on the lessons gained from this road test.
FOLLOW THE BRAVES
For complete coverage of Alcorn State Athletics news, please follow the Braves on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports) and YouTube (Alcorn State Sports) or visit the official home of the Alcorn State Athletics at (alcornsports.com).
