By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Grambling State was unable to overcome Alabama A&M on Thursday night, losing 70-58 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) showdown at the AAMU Event Center.
With the loss, Grambling State drops to 8-13 overall and 5-5 in SWAC play, while Alabama A&M improves to 15-7 overall and 8-2 in the conference standings.
Kahia Warmsley led Grambling State with 12 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Halima Salat provided a spark off the bench, scoring nine points on a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Shaniah Nunn added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Lydia Freemancontributed 10 points and 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.
Alabama A&M set the tone early, jumping out to a 21-15 lead after the first quarter behind efficient shooting, knocking down 54.5% from the field. Grambling State kept pace in the second quarter, taking a 32-29 lead at the half.
The third quarter proved decisive, as Alabama A&M outscored Grambling State 23-12 behind a dominant offensive stretch, shooting 66.7% from the field.
Alabama A&M was powered by Kaila Walker, who scored a game-high 23 points, including four three-pointers. Alisha Wilson dominated the glass with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Laila Pendleton chipped in 11 points.
Grambling State attempted to rally late, cutting the deficit to single digits at one point, but Alabama A&M remained in control, securing the double-digit victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Grambling State shot 32.4% from the field (22-of-68) and 46.7% from three-point range (7-of-15).
- Alabama A&M shot 44.2% from the field (23-of-52) and 38.5% from beyond the arc (5-of-13).
- Grambling State out-rebounded Alabama A&M 40-37, including a 20-12 edge in offensive rebounds.
- Alabama A&M converted 19-of-27 attempts (70.4%), while Grambling State made 7-of-8 (87.5%).
- Grambling State forced 18 turnovers and collected eight steals but struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6% in the fourth quarter.
Up Next
Grambling State will continue its road trip with a matchup against Alabama State on Saturday, February 8. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome in Montgomery, Alabama.