Alabama State Heads to Championship Match
SWAC.org
ALABAMA STATE defs. JACKSON STATE, 62-60
Box Score
HOUSTON, Texas - The semifinals kicked off with the No. 2 Jackson State and No. 3 Alabama State going head to head. The Lady Hornets claimed a 62-60 victory of the Lady Tigers Friday afternoon at the Toyota Center.
Alabama State University led majority of the first half. They took their biggest lead of 15 points, 28-13 with under two minutes remaining in the first half. Jackson State never let up on offense and manage to cut the lead to 10 going into halftime, 29-19.
The Lady Tigers got things going early in the second half. Ayanna Hardy-Fuller scored the first three points. The Lady Hornets fouled three times within two minutes of the game, sending JSU to the free-throw line.
Jackson State would quickly be down only four points with 17:42 left in the second half. The game came down to the finals seconds. ASU was up one point, 61-60 with 10.8 seconds remaining. Daniel Ewert would get fouled and sent to the free-throw line, knocking down one.
With 9.2 left in the game the Lady Tigers took the ball down the court and attempted a short jumper but missed, causing the Lady Hornets to get the last rebound and securing the lead by two points.
Daniel Ewert scored 22 points, added seven rebounds and five assist to lead ASU. Britney Wright tallied 16 points with six rebounds. Jasmine Peeples recorded another double-double scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Jackson State University was led by Derica Wiggins with a team-high 14 points. Alisa Ross added 10 points.
Alabam State University will head to the championship match to face the winner between Southern University and Prairie View A&M. This will be there first appearance in the finals since the 2009-2010 season. The last time ASU won a championship was in 2004. Tipoff is set for Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 3. Live stats will also be available.