The Alabama A&M women’s basketball team again made history in a defeat of in-state rival Alabama State.
The Bulldogs’ 71-63 win on Saturday afternoon marked the program’s first-ever 20-win season at the Division I level and for head coach Dawn Thornton.
The Bulldogs fought back from a 6-2 deficit to take a 19-10 lead before the Hornets went on a 15-point run to take control of the contest until late in the third quarter when the Bulldogs regained their footing and ultimately emerged victorious.
AAMU saw three Bulldogs finish in double figures. Kalia Walker led the way with 21 points, 19 of them scored in the second half. Alisha Wilson recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks and three steals. Lauryn Pendleton added 14 points, 11 of them coming in the second half.
Alabama State was led on both sides of the ball by Cordasia Harris, who tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Taylor Smith added 13 points and two steals, while Kaitlyn Bryant picked up 10 points and two steals. The Hornets have now lost four straight contests as they head into the final week of regular season action.
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Alabama State was first to get on the board and took a short 6-2 lead before the Bulldogs went on a 17-4 run to go ahead 19-10 with just under two minutes remaining in the opening frame. The Hornets scored seven straight to end the quarter down a pair, 19-17.
Alabama State used the momentum from the end of the first to score eight more unanswered points to take a 25-19 lead with less than six minutes remaining in the half.
The Bulldogs finally saw an offensive break as Wilson got to the paint and sunk a jumper before Mailyn Wilkerson saw a shot from deep float to the bottom of the net to bring the contest within three points.
Walker opened the second half with a second-chance layup off an ASU turnover before Pendleton shot a pair of foul shots to come within one of the frame.
Less than a minute later, Pendleton was back at the line, making both shots to tie the contest. ASU scored three more but got into foul trouble, allowing AAMU to convert shots at the line to take a slim 39-38 lead, the first Maroon and White lead since the opening quarter.
The Hornets regained control briefly after a Kristian Jackson jumper and again after a Bryant free throw, making the score 45-44.
Both Pendleton and Wilkerson hit shots to cut the Alabama A&M deficit to 48-47 by the end of the third quarter.
Alabama A&M then opened the fourth quarter with five consecutive points, highlighted by a three-pointer from Pendleton.
The Bulldogs then went on a 10-4 run to enter the final media timeout with a 10-point lead
AAMU saw their largest lead of the contest after a four-point play from Walker which put the Bulldogs in front 71-58 with 2:46 left in regulation.
Courtesy: Alabama A&M Athletics
