By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Grambling State secured a 71-59 victory over Bethune-Cookman, using a dominant performance in the paint and late-game execution to pull away on Friday evening at the Richard V. Moore Gymnasium.
Grambling State (12-14 overall 9-6 SWAC) controlled much of the game, leading for over 35 minutes and maintaining composure despite Bethune-Cookman’s (9-19 overall 6-10 SWAC) early push. The Lady Tigers built their advantage with a balanced attack, scoring 38 points in the paint and capitalizing on 27 second-chance points.
Lydia Freeman led the charge with a standout performance, finishing with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting while grabbing 12 rebounds.
She set the tone inside, helping Grambling State outrebound Bethune-Cookman 42-38. Douthshine Prienadded 10 points and four assists, while Kahia Warmsley chipped in nine points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Grambling State started strong, posting a 22-17 first-quarter lead behind efficient shooting. The team extended its advantage in the second quarter, heading into halftime up 40-36.
Bethune-Cookman remained within striking distance, led by Ariel Nicholson’s 17-point, 19-rebound double-double. However, a tough third quarter saw the Wildcats struggle offensively, scoring just 11 points as Grambling State’s defense tightened.
In the fourth quarter, Grambling State pulled away, outscoring Bethune-Cookman 18-12 in the final quarter.
The Lady Tigers closed the game on a strong defensive stand, limiting the Wildcats to just three made field goals in the last 10 minutes.
Freeman’s late layup sealed the victory, giving Grambling State its largest lead of the night at 14 points.
Bethune-Cookman struggled with turnovers, committing 25, which Grambling State converted into 20 points. The Wildcats had brief momentum early but never led after the first quarter.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 38.6 percent from the field (27-of-70) and 23.1 percent from three-point range (3-of-13).
- Bethune-Cookman shot 41.7 percent from the field (20-of-48) and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc (4-of-13).
- Grambling State went 14-of-21 from the free-throw line (66.7 percent), while Bethune-Cookman converted 15-of-25 (60 percent).
- The Lady Tigers won the rebounding battle 42-38, including 20 offensive boards.
- Bethune-Cookman’s recorded five blocks compared to GSU’s one.
UP NEXT
Grambling State will look to carry its momentum into its next matchup as the Lady Tigers hit the road to face Florida A&M on Saturday, March 1. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. in Tallahassee, Florida.