GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State used a balanced offensive effort and capitalized on turnovers to pull away late in a 67–53 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory over Alabama State Saturday afternoon inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
The Tigers set the tone early opening the game with defensive pressure and efficient shooting to take a 20–15 lead after the first quarter.
Grambling State maintained control in the second period, holding Alabama State to 11 points while adding 12 of its own to carry a 32–26 advantage into halftime.
Momentum stayed with the Tigers coming out of the break as Grambling State shot 58 percent in the third quarter and outscored Alabama State 18–14 to extend the lead to 50–40 heading into the final frame.
Alabama State attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, but Grambling State forced key turnovers and converted at timely moments to close out the 14-point conference win.
Zaria Johnson led Grambling State with 18 points, knocking down three three-pointers and recording six steals.
Shaniah Nunn followed with 14 points, while
Monica Marsh added 12 points off the bench.
Alisha Murray chipped in eight points as the Tigers received 28 points from their reserves.
Caylee Simpson paced Alabama State with 19 points, while Clearia Peterson finished with nine points and seven rebounds.
Grambling State finished the game shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range, while Alabama State shot 39.2 percent overall and 14.3 percent from beyond the arc.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The game featured three lead changes and three ties
- Grambling State led after the first quarter, 20–15
- Grambling State led at halftime, 32–26
- Alabama State won the rebounding battle, 37–33
- Grambling State scored 25 points off turnovers
- The Tigers finished with 28 bench points
UP NEXT
Grambling State hits the road to continue Southwestern Athletic Conference play at Prairie View A&M on Thursday, Feb. 12. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. in Prairie View, Texas.
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