GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State University outlasted Bethune-Cookman in a tightly contested battle Thursday night, securing a 71–68 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory in overtime inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Grambling State jumped out early using a strong defensive effort to build a 12–6 lead after the opening quarter.
Bethune-Cookman responded in the second period, outscoring the Lady Tigers 22–17 to trim the margin.
Grambling State carried a narrow 29–28 advantage into halftime.
The teams continued to trade punches in the third quarter with Grambling State maintaining a 44–40 edge entering the final frame.
Bethune-Cookman rallied late in regulation, forcing overtime after both teams battled through multiple lead changes and ties.
In the extra period, Grambling State delivered in the clutch.
The Lady Tigers shot a perfect 3-for-3 from the field in overtime and converted key free throws to seal the three-point conference victory.
Alisha Murray paced Grambling State with a team-high 18 points and five rebounds.
D'Mya Griffin added 12 points and six rebounds, while
Shaniah Nunn contributed 11 points and seven boards.
Monica Marsh chipped in eight points off the bench as Grambling State's reserves dominated with 47 bench points.
Bethune-Cookman was led by Tyler Butler, who recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Daimoni Dorsey added 10 points while Jordan Brooks and Shomari Phillips each finished with nine.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 36.2 percent (25-of-69) from the field
- The Lady Tigers forced 24 turnovers and scored 23 points off miscues
- Grambling State held a 30–28 edge in points in the paint
- The Grambling State bench poured in 47 points
UP NEXT
Grambling State remains at home to host Florida A&M University on Saturday, Feb. 28 for Senior Night. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
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