ASU women fall in SIAC Tourney 46-44

BIRMINGHAM — The Albany State University women’s basketball team (9-19) suffered a tough 46-44 loss to the Thorobreds of Kentucky State University in the SIAC Quarterfinals at Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham Crossplex this afternoon.

Kentucky State University opened the contest outscoring the Golden Rams 11-9 after one quarter. Both teams continued to add points in the second quarter as Kentucky State took a 23-22 advantage at the half. The Thorobreds secured a 40-34 advantage after three periods. The Golden Rams continued to fight outscoring KSU 10-6 in the final quarter, but KSU held on for a 46-44 victory over Albany State. The Golden Rams were led by junior guard Alexandria James securing 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.

James secured the opening basket to start the scoring for ASU in the third quarter to bring the score 34-26. Alexandria James then nailed a jumper to cut KSU’s lead 36-28 with 3:56 left in the quarter. Tyra Thompson added a basket to cut KSU’s lead making the score 38-34 with 1:35 left in the quarter. Kentucky State ended the quarter with a 40-34 advantage.

The Golden Rams brought the same momentum into the fourth quarter adding six points to cut the lead (46-40) with 4:59 left in the contest. Albany State then added two points from the free throw line to make the score 46-42 with 4:13 left in the game. Shantrell Holland swished a jumper for ASU to bring the score within two (46-44) with 1:40 left in the contest, but that was all that the Golden Rams could do as KSU held on for the win.

James scored 13 points in 34 minutes of play. The Notasulga, Alabama native was six-for-15 from the floor and one-for-three from the three-point line. Senior Ashley Johnson and junior Tyra Thompson each added eight points.

Amani Williams led the Thorobreds in double figures with 10 points.