By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — Grambling State (4-9, 1-1 SWAC) claimed its first SWAC win of the season with a commanding 67-44 victory over Prairie View A&M (3-8, 0-2 SWAC) Saturday at the William J. Nicks Building.
Grambling shot 34.4% from the field, including 75% from the free-throw line, and dominated the boards with a 43-33 rebounding advantage.
Lydia Freeman led the Tigers with 13 points, going 7-of-9 from the free-throw line and pulling down six rebounds. Kahia Warmsley contributed eight points and six boards, while Douthsine Prien added eight points and four rebounds.
The Tigers defense created 22 turnovers, converting them into 32 points, while also recording 10 steals and four blocked shots.
Prairie View struggled offensively, shooting just 26.9% from the field and 15.8% from three-point range. Nyam Thornton paced the Lady Panthers with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Kayla Chairs added 11 points and five boards. Despite their effort, Prairie View couldn’t overcome Grambling’s suffocating defense and offensive runs.
The Tigers seized control in the second half with a 14-0 run that pushed their lead to 31 points at one stage. The Lady Panthers made a late push, but Grambling’s solid free-throw shooting and clock management sealed the victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 34.4% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range, while Prairie View A&M finished at 26.9% overall and 15.8% from beyond the arc.
- Grambling dominated the glass with a 43-33 rebounding edge, including 14 offensive rebounds compared to Prairie View’s 10.
- The Tigers forced 22 turnovers while committing 15, resulting in a significant 32-13 advantage in points off turnovers.
- Grambling State’s bench contributed 30 points, outscoring Prairie View’s reserves, who managed just 13.
- The Tigers held a decisive 34-24 advantage in points in the paint and also produced a 14-0 run at one point to build a commanding lead.
- Grambling State led for most of the game, achieving their largest lead of 31 points in the fourth quarter. Prairie View’s largest lead was four points, which came in the first quarter.
UP NEXT
Grambling State will host Florida A&M University on Thursday, January 9. The game will take place at Willis Reed Court in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center in Grambling, Louisiana, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m.