By Josh Elder, Grambling State Athletic Intern; featured photo by Marcus Plummer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — No. 2 seed Grambling State lost a nailbiter to No. 6 seed Alcorn State University 61-59 in the semifinals of the SWAC tournament Friday night.
Kahia Warmsley and Jazymne Jackson opened the game red hot, combining for 13 of The Lady Tigers’ 20 first quarter points. Jackson scored the final six points for GSU in the quarter.
The game remained close throughout the first half with neither team being able to gain a substantial lead. The largest lead of the first half was Grambling State by six, but the score heading into the break saw Alcorn up 31-29.
The Lady Tigers regained control in the third period going on a 7-0 run before an Alcorn timeout slowed the momentum. An Anijah Grant jumper brought the GSU lead up to 44-40 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Tigers gave up an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to fall behind 57-49. Grambling State tied the game at 59-59 after a three-pointer by Warmsley. With two seconds left in the game Alcorn State’s Tyginae Wright hit the game winning jump shot to send her team to the SWAC Championship.
GSU’s record currently stands at 22-9 overall.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 21-of-56 (37.5 percent) from the field, 6-of-16 (37.5 percent) from three-point range and from the free throw line.
- Alcorn State shot 21-of-59 (35.6 percent) from the field, 5-of-18 (27.8 percent) from three-point range and 14-of-22 (63.6 percent) from the free throw line.
- Warmsley scored a game high 20 points.
- The Lady Tigers score 16 points off 12 turnovers.
UP NEXT
Grambling State has been invited to participate in the 2024 WNIT. The Lady Tigers will learn who they will play during the WNIT selection show scheduled for Sunday night. This will be GSU’s first trip to the WNIT since defeating Ole Miss 78-75 in 2017.