March 4, 2008

Final Stats

Prairie View, Texas - Despite a strong defensive effort, the Alabama State Lady Hornets fell to Prairie View 78-56 Monday night.

The Panthers jumped out to an early 12-0 lead behind pressure defense, which forced rushed shots from ASU. Prairie View continued to build their lead, until the Lady Hornets settled in and began to convert on the offensive end.

Shantae Robinson's dribble penetration freed ASU for some open shots, and LaShundreya Townsend's long three-pointer made the score 18-7.

As the ASU defense forced five consecutive misses and a turnover, the Lady Hornets crept within eight as Robinson made three of four free throw attempts.

However, Prairie View's Dominique Smith hit back-to-back three pointers to push the lead to 36-24 at the half. Unfortunately, for ASU, that was as close as they'd get the rest of the game.

Still depleted by injury, the Lady Hornets simply didn't have enough depth to weather Prairie View's pressure. And, the Lady Panthers pulled away for the win.

Erica Lumpkin led ASU with 14 points. Robinson scored 11 points and added to her league-leading total with six assists. Assunta Fulgham chipped in 9 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Hornets (10-17, 6-10) are in a three-way tie for seventh place in the SWAC standings, with two games remaining. Only the top eight teams qualify for next week's SWAC tournament.

ASU returns home to face Grambling State on Thursday night at 5:30 p.m., before closing the season against Jackson State on Saturday at 3 p.m.