By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
GRAMBLING — Grambling State closed out its regular season with a commanding 69-53 victory over Alabama State on Saturday afternoon at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. The Tigers took control in the second half, using a strong defensive effort and balanced scoring to secure the win.
With the win, the Tigers notched back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2018.
Grambling State (15-14 overall, 12-6 in SWAC) outscored Alabama State 36-20 in the second half, turning a close contest into a comfortable victory.
The Tigers held the Hornets to just 20 percent shooting in the fourth quarter while converting at a 53.3 percent clip themselves.
Kahia Warmsley led Grambling State with 16 points, knocking down two three-pointers. Sharonica Hartsfieldadded 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Shaniah Nunn contributed 10 points and five rebounds.
Lydia Freeman continued to dominate inside, scoring nine points and grabbing seven rebounds.
The Tigers dominance in the paint proved to be a key factor, outscoring Alabama State (6-24 overall, 4-14 in SWAC) 36-26 down low and outrebounding them 44-41. Grambling State also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off Alabama State’s 17 miscues.
Despite a strong effort from Alabama State’s Cordasia Harris, who led all scorers with 17 points, Grambling State’s defensive presence and depth kept the Hornets from making a late push.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 42.0 percent from the field (29-of-69) and 22.2 percent from three-point range (4-of-18).
- Alabama State shot 32.3 percent (20-of-62) and 30.0 percent from deep (3-of-10).
- Grambling State converted 58.3 percent (7-of-12) of its free throws, while Alabama State made 76.9 percent (10-of-13).
- The Tigers outrebounded Alabama State 44-41, including 17 offensive boards leading to 13 second-chance points.
- Grambling State scored 20 points off turnovers and tallied 13 fast break points.
UP NEXT
Grambling State now turns its focus to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, set to take place in Atlanta, Ga., at the Gateway Center Arena. Tournament play begins on Tuesday, March 11, with opening-round games and will conclude on Saturday, March 15, with the championship matchups.
Grambling State enters the tournament as the No. 5 seed and will face off against No. 4 seed Jackson State on Thursday, March 13.