Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Albany State had five student-athletes score in double figures to help the Lady Rams defeat the Kentucky State University Thorobrettes, 79-64, in the semifinal round of the SIAC Tournament on Saturday, Mar. 7, at Bill Harris Arena.
Kentucky State snaps a 14-game winning streak and falls to 22-5 overall. Albany State moves to 16-11 and earns a place in the SIAC Championship game tomorrow morning.
In the first half, Kentucky State went ahead by as many as nine when
Shayla Moore connected on a 3-pointer with just over four minutes remaining in the half to put the Thorobrettes ahead, 34-25. From there ASU went on a 15-6 run that was capped by a layup and free-throw from Ieshia Young to tie the game at 40-40. Just before the end of the half, KSU point guard
Jessica Jones hit a 3-pointer to give the Thorobrettes the lead, 43-40, at the intermission.
In the second half, Albany State controlled the pace and stopped the offensive rhythm that KSU had in the first 20 minutes. After connecting on 54 percent (18-of-33) of their shots in the first half, the Thorobrettes were ice cold in the second half, hitting just 21 percent (6-of-29).
ASU held advantages in several key areas on Saturday. The Lady Rams were much more aggressive, going to the line 34 times compared to just 12 for the Thorobrettes. ASU shot 49 percent from the floor while holding KSU to 39 percent. Albany State held a slight 38-34 advantage on the boards.
Kentucky State was led by senior forward
Brieona Warner who finished with a game-high 19 points.
Shaia Horton finished with 10 points but struggled with accuracy, going 4-of-12 from the floor including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Shaquanda Wiggins added six points and eight rebounds.
Albany State was led by center Artisha Holston who finished with a 16 point, 14 rebound double-double. Holston also had a pair of blocks and a steal. Guard Mecca Frost added 15 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Lady Rams move on to face #1E Benedict in the championship of the SIAC Tournament tomorrow at 10 a.m. (CT).
