Alabama State Stuns the Lady Panthers in the SWAC Tournament

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 02:43 PM

Shreveport, La.—In the first game of the SWAC tournament the number two seed Lady Panthers and seventh seed Lady Hornets of Alabama State collided as they gave a strong showing at the Century Tel Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Lady Panthers came up short losing 50-48 ending their two year streak of claiming the SWAC tournament championship.

Alabama State came out the gates with intensity and a purpose as they were determined to end Prairie View’s dominance. The Lady Panthers soon recognized that they needed to pick it up as Robin Jones hit a 15 foot jumper assisted by Courtney Larsen cutting the deficit. The game went back and forth as they traded baskets until the Lady Hornets went on a 7-0 run led by Jakayla Hill scoring back to back clutch baskets.

The Lady Panthers would fall behind by eight points with five minutes left in the first half. Recently named to the All SWAC second team Dominique Smith and the Lady Panthers fought back to end the half on a 12-3 run putting them in the lead for the first time since the 14:10 mark. The Lady Panthers went into the half ahead 23-22 shooting 29.6 percent from the field.

In the second half the Lady Hornets came out with a 6-1 run taking the lead 28-24 led by center Shanice Merritt who claimed all six of the opening points of the half. Junior forward Robin Jones had a solid game as she did all she could to keep the Lady Panthers in the contest. The Lady Panthers struggled to find their offense which was triggered by a Lady Hornet 7-0 run to increase the lead to 29-37 with 14 minutes left in regulation.

The Lady Panther’s offensive woes continued as they struggled to find their groove but they wouldn’t give up showing will and determination fighting themselves back into the game one possession at a time. At the six minute mark the Lady Panthers found themselves trailing 48-41 until they made their final run behind juniors Ciara Banks, Robin Jones, and Smith who came and tied the game with four minutes left.

Both teams gave everything they could on the defensive end as the game went scoreless for the next three minutes before Merritt ended the scoring plague accounting for a huge put back layup increasing the Lady Hornet cushion. The Lady Panthers would have two possessions to tie or gain the lead but came up short on a 12 foot jumper by Smith with the clock running down. The Lady Hornets of Alabama State rushed on the floor in excitement as they stunned the defending champions Prairie View ending the Lady Panther run.

Dominique Smith and Robin Jones led the way for the Lady Panthers with 13 points apiece. Ciara Banks followed with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assists. Courtney Larsen contributed 7 points, 2 assist, and 1 steal.