By Leon Mitchell, GSU Athletic Communications
GRAMBLING — Grambling State dominated Arkansas Baptist on Wednesday afternoon, securing a commanding 94-52 victory at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. The Tigers (3-8) displayed balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure to snap their losing streak, while Arkansas Baptist (0-7) remained winless on the season.
The Tigers were led by Lydia Freeman, who posted a double-double with 25 points and 20 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards. Alyssa Phillip also recorded a double-double, contributing 16 points and 11 rebounds. Halima Salatadded 12 points off the bench, shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Sharonica Hartsfield contributed ten steals to go along with six assists. Grambling’s bench was a significant factor, contributing 60 points to the team’s total.
Arkansas Baptist struggled to keep pace despite Mackenzie Carter’s team-high 10 points and eight rebounds. Ah’jaia Kenner and Kaniya Moore added eight points apiece, but the Lady Buffaloes shot just 38.9% from the field and committed 46 turnovers.
Grambling stormed out of the gates with a dominant 30-point first quarter, fueled by 13 field goals and suffocating defense. The Tigers forced 21 first-half turnovers and entered halftime with a commanding 49-31 lead. Arkansas Baptist managed to slow the Tigers slightly in the third quarter, but Grambling exploded in the fourth, outscoring the Lady Buffaloes 30-13 to seal the win.
The Tigers defensive intensity was a highlight, as they recorded 27 steals and scored 49 points off turnovers. Grambling also controlled the interior, outscoring Arkansas Baptist 54-28 in the paint and pulling down 62 rebounds, including 37 on the offensive glass.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 35.2% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range, while Arkansas Baptist hit 38.9% overall and 37.5% from deep.
- The Tigers dominated the boards with a 62-37 rebounding advantage, including 37 offensive rebounds that led to 25 second-chance points.
- Arkansas Baptist committed 46 turnovers, while Grambling converted those into 49 points.
- Grambling’s bench outscored Arkansas Baptist’s 60-14.
- The Tigers scored 31 fast-break points compared to nine for the Lady Buffaloes.
UP NEXT
Grambling State will hit the road to face Texas Southern University on Thursday, January 2, at H&PE Arena in Houston, Texas.