Alabama State leaned on second chance opportunities and a strong fourth quarter push to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67–59 in a physical semifinal matchup at the SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament, earning a spot in Saturday’s championship game.
The Hornets came out aggressive from the opening tip, turning defense into offense early. Ny’keria Flowers opened the scoring with a fast break pull up jumper before Caylee Simpson finished a layup off a turnover to give Alabama State a quick 4–0 lead.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded midway through the quarter behind the playmaking of Jasmine Davis. Davis forced a steal and converted the layup before setting up Indiya Bowen for another basket to even the score at 4–4.
The Golden Lions briefly seized momentum when Bowen knocked down a transition three pointer and Tyra Taylor followed with another from beyond the arc, pushing Pine Bluff ahead 12–8.
Alabama State answered quickly.
Simpson and Shamya Reid helped ignite a late run fueled by turnovers and transition opportunities. Reid capped the surge with a three pointer in the closing moments of the quarter as the Hornets finished the period on a scoring burst to take a 22–13 lead.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff chipped away in the second quarter. Jailah Pelly connected on a second chance three early in the period while Khaniah Gardner added a basket in the paint. The Golden Lions also capitalized at the free throw line as they slowly trimmed the deficit.
Gardner’s inside presence and Pelly’s defensive pressure helped Pine Bluff remain within striking distance.
Alabama State responded with timely baskets from Simpson and Kaia Ponder to hold the lead, but Arkansas-Pine Bluff continued to apply pressure. Davis knocked down a pull up jumper before Jayla Cornelius scored in transition to bring the Golden Lions within a possession late in the half.
Despite the late push, Alabama State held a narrow 34–33 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter turned into a back and forth battle.
Flowers opened the period with a basket for the Hornets, but Pine Bluff answered behind Davis and Bowen. Davis tied the game with a second chance three pointer before Bowen followed with a jumper that briefly put the Golden Lions in front.
Alabama State responded with key baskets from Flowers, Charlese McClendon, and Amari Franklin to regain the lead. Pine Bluff stayed close as Davis added another score and Taylor finished a layup during another momentum swing.
With Arkansas-Pine Bluff holding the lead late in the quarter, Flowers delivered a clutch three pointer at the buzzer to pull Alabama State within two points, cutting the deficit to 49–47 entering the final period.
The fourth quarter belonged to Alabama State.
After Pine Bluff briefly moved ahead on a three point play by Gardner, the Hornets began to take control on the glass. Reid converted free throws before McClendon added a second chance tip in. Flowers followed with a transition basket that pushed Alabama State back in front.
From there, the Hornets continued to capitalize down the stretch. Takaya Walters Norman knocked down key free throws and Simpson added a driving layup as Alabama State created separation late.
Strong defense and rebounding in the closing minutes helped seal the 67–59 victory.
Flowers led Alabama State with 14 points as the Hornets advanced to face Southern Lady Jaguars basketball in the SWAC Women’s Basketball Championship Saturday at 1:00 PM EST.
Discover more from KB Sports Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
