By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
ITTA BENA, Miss. — Grambling State came out with a 69-62 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday afternoon in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup at the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
The victory moves Grambling to 7-11 overall and 4-3 in SWAC play, while Mississippi Valley State falls to 2-16 overall and 1-6 in the conference
The game was tightly contested throughout, with Grambling holding a narrow 12-11 lead after the first quarter. The Tigers extended their lead to 31-27 by halftime, thanks to a strong second-quarter performance.
Grambling maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring Mississippi Valley State 18-13 to take a 49-40 lead into the final period. Despite a late push by the Devilettes, who scored 22 points in the fourth quarter, the Tigers held on for the win.
Kahia Warmsley was pivotal for Grambling, scoring a season-high 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. She also grabbed eight rebounds and added three steals.
Lydia Freeman recorded her third double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while contributing a block and an assist. Alyssa Phillip added nine points and six rebounds, while Sharonica Hartsfieldchipped in six points and three rebounds.
Mississippi Valley State was led by D’Yanna Maxey, who scored a team-high 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting and added three assists. Jaeda Murphy contributed 16 points, four assists, and four steals, while Jaylia Reed added eight points and three rebounds.
Despite shooting an efficient 52.3% from the field, the Devilettes were hampered by 28 turnovers, which Grambling converted into 30 points.
Grambling’s dominance on the boards was a key factor in the victory, as the Tigers out-rebounded Mississippi Valley State 44-23, including a 27-5 edge in offensive rebounds. This led to 25 second-chance points for the Tigers.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 36.1% from the field (22-of-61) and 30.8% from three-point range (4-of-13). They made 21-of-32 free throws (65.6%).
- Mississippi Valley State shot 52.3% from the field (23-of-44) and 45.5% from beyond the arc (5-of-11). They made 11-of-13 free throws (84.6%).
- Grambling out-rebounded Mississippi Valley State 44-23, including a 27-5 advantage in offensive rebounds.
- The Tigers scored 30 points off turnovers, while the Devilettes scored 12.
- Grambling’s bench contributed 15 points, while Mississippi Valley State’s bench added 12.
UP NEXT
Grambling State will return home to face Alcorn State University on Thursday, January 30. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Willis Reed Court in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center in Grambling, Louisiana.