By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
GRAMBLING — Grambling State secured a strong 82-69 victory over Alcorn State in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup on Thursday night at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
The win improves Grambling to 8-11 overall and 5-3 in SWAC play, while Alcorn State falls to 5-14 overall and 3-5 in the conference.
The Tigers set the tone early with a high-scoring first quarter, taking a 29-22 lead. They extended their advantage to 46-35 by halftime, fueled by efficient shooting and strong defensive play.
Grambling continued to control the game in the third quarter, outscoring Alcorn State 20-16 to take a 66-51 lead into the final period.
Despite Alcorn State’s late efforts, the Tigers maintained their double-digit advantage to close out the win.
Kahia Warmsley led Grambling with 18 points, knocking down three three-pointers while adding seven rebounds and two steals. Zaria Johnsoncontributed 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Arianna Mosleyalso added 11 points. Claire Simmonsfinished with 11 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Alcorn State was led by Destiny Brown, who scored a team-high 17 points while grabbing six rebounds. Kailyn Watkins added 14 points, including a late three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Zy’Nyia White contributed 10 points.
Grambling out-rebounded Alcorn State 42-30, including a 19-15 edge in offensive boards. The Tigers also capitalized from beyond the arc, shooting 47.4% (9-of-19) from three-point range compared to Alcorn State’s 28.6% (4-of-14).
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 47.5% from the field (28-of-59) and 47.4% from three-point range (9-of-19). They made 17-of-27 free throws (63.0%).
- Alcorn State shot 43.5% from the field (27-of-62) and 28.6% from beyond the arc (4-of-14). They made 11-of-17 free throws (64.7%).
- Grambling controlled the glass, out-rebounding Alcorn State 42-30, including a 19-15 advantage in offensive rebounds.
- Grambling’s largest lead of the game was 19 points.
UP NEXT
Grambling State will look to continue its strong play as the Tigers host Jackson State on Saturday, February 1, at 2 p.m. The game will take place at Willis Reed Court inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center in Grambling, Louisiana.