Box Score
Normal- Lady Bulldogs basketball opened 2013 and Southwestern Athletic Conference competition with a 78-56 victory over the Lady Tigers ofGrambling State University Wednesday evening.
The Maroon & White finished non-conference competition 1-9, and looked to improve as they began league play. The two teams last met during the 2012 SWAC Championship tournament where the Lady Tigers slipped past, A&M 73-68, to win a thrilling overtime game.
In the first contest of the new year, A&M (2-9) got off to a fast start, quickly opening up a seven-point lead. Ahead majority of the first half due to dominating “in the paint” play (20-8) and points off turnovers (14-2), the Maroon & White took an 11-point lead into the break. Freshman, Ebony Johnson of Decatur, Georgia led all first-half scorers with nine points.
The start of the second half was shaky for the Warmley led sqaud. The first three possessions ended with two missed shots and a turnover, forcing head coach Altherias Warmley to call an early timeout at the 18:39 mark.
Despite the chance to regroup, the ensuing possession ended in another Maroon & White turnover. After settling down, and stepping up the defensive intensity, A&M was able to score on each of the next three following possessions extending their lead to 12 points.
The increased defensive pressure forced numerous Lady Tiger turnovers and allowed the Maroon & White to increase their lead to 20 points (51-31). The A&M surge forced Grambling to call their first time out of the half.
Leading the charge for A&M in the second half, was Brittney Strickland with 12 second-half points. Senior Clairissa Moore aided the Lady Bulldogs to victory adding eight points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
The defensive pressure from the Lady Bulldogs proved too great for the Lady Tigers, as A&M cruised to victory in convincing fashion defeating Grambling State University 78-56.
Jessica Watkins led the Lady Tigers with 14 points while Joanna Miller contributed with 13.
The team will be back in action for their second game in six days on Friday, January 4th when they host eastern division rival Jackson State University. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
