Women's Basketball 11/20/2014 9:45:00 PM

Women’s Basketball Downs Alabama State In Tiger Arena

Box Score

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah State women's basketball continued to dominate on their home court Thursday night, taking down Alabama State, 71-62, for their second win in Tiger Arena this year.

Last year, the Lady Tigers went 10-2 in Tiger Arena, setting a new Division I record for women's basketball in the 12-year old arena.

It was the 14^th match between the two schools. SSU tied up the series record, garnering their 7^th win over the Lady Hornets.

In a fast paced game, the Lady Tigers traded points with the Lady Hornets in the opening four minutes, until a 3-pointer from SSU sophomore Kenyata Hendrix and a layup from redshirt senior Ezinne Kalu pushed SSU out to an 11-6 lead.

The Lady Hornets got back in the game with two field goals from Brittney Wright, but SSU broke their run with a 5-0 run of their own for a 22-10 lead behind baskets from Tanease Richardson, and Kalu.

With 11:20 to play, SSU lead 24-12, but Alabama State came back with a 7-0 run to cut the Lady Tigers lead to 24-19 with 10:09 to play.

Alabama State kept up the offensive push in the following four minutes, cutting SSU's lead to 27-26 with 6:34 on the clock. SSU responded with a 6-2 run capped by two good free-throws from Kalu for a 34-28 lead with 3:51 to play.

In the final minutes of the opening half, Alabama State etched away at SSU's six point lead with a 4-0 run in the final minute. Despite the surge, SSU kept their lead going into the locker room, staying up 37-35.

Alabama State took their second and final lead of the game in the opening seconds of the second half behind a 3-pointer from Shamyiah Smith, for a 38-37 advantage.

The Lady Tigers were unfazed as they opened a massive 22-4 run in the following five minutes for a 61-42 lead with 10:16 to play in the game. The Lady Hornets committed nine turnovers during the Lady Tigers run.

With 3:46 on the clock SSU lead 65-53, but the Lady Hornets were not going quietly back to Alabama. Behind a layup from Wright, Alabama State opened 9-0 run to cut SSU's lead to 65-60 with 2:02 to play.

SSU held onto the advantage in the final two minutes, outscoring Alabama State 6-2 for the final 71-62 score.

Kalu led the field with a season-high 25 points, hitting 11-of-16 field goal attempts. Tiyonda Davis and Jasmine Norman each scored a season-high 12 points in the game. Davis led in rebounds with eight.

Wright led the Lady Hornets with 19 points, followed by Miracle Mayo with 11 points. Daniele Ewert tacked on 10 in the loss.

SSU takes a 10-day break before heading to Alabama to take on Troy University on November 30.

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Players Mentioned

#2 Kenyata Hendrix: G; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#4 Jasmine Norman: G; 5' 9"; Senior

#23 Ezinne Kalu: G; 5' 8"; Senior

#44 Tiyonda Davis: C; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#14 Tanease Richardson: F; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#2 Kenyata Hendrix
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: G

#4 Jasmine Norman
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G

#23 Ezinne Kalu
: 5' 8"; Senior
: G

#44 Tiyonda Davis
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: C

#14 Tanease Richardson
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: F