A&M defeats Grambling on Senior Night

Box Score

Normal- As they closed out the regular season hosting Grambling State, the women's basketball team was obviously emotional.

It was the last time in front of the home crowd for three players (Jessica Lowery, Alyssa Strickland, and Jasmine Sanders), and it was written on their face how much wearing the Maroon & White meant to them.

Despite running high on emotions, A&M did not allow that to affect their play on the court. They started 4-4 from the field for 10 points, with the Strickland twins combining for two triples (Brittany to Alyssa) on consecutive plays.

With the A&M shooters cooling off, and both teams playing good basketball, the Maroon & White trailed by one at the break. The first half was evenly matched, with neither team dominating the other. GSU won the battle in the paint scoring 26 points to A&M's 10, while the home team won the second chance battle (7-4) and the points off turnover battle (19-6). The Maroon & White also forced 12 first half turnovers and grabbed seven steals.

Leading the scoring charge was Alyssa Strickland with 12 points on 4-7 from the field with three coming from distance.

Jasmine Godbolt led the way for the Tigers with eight points and five boards.

The second half picked up where the first left off. Both teams struggled to grab an extended lead. After trading baskets, the Maroon & White was able to string together a few stops and made baskets to go up by six with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The Tigers would close the gap to one with 8:26 showing on the clock (56-55) before the Maroon & White again grabbed an extended lead, this time by seven with five minutes remaining. The last five minutes of play were thrilling; GSU mounted a ferocious comeback tying the game at 66 with just 22 seconds left. Despite a heroic effort from the visitors, the Maroon & White was able to survive the charge and grab a 67-66 victory to send their seniors off in style.

Leading the Alabama A&M women's basketball team was seniors Alyssa Strickland and Jasmine Sanders. Strickland tallied four triples, and a game high 19 points, while Sanders led the second half charge scoring all 14 of her points in the second period. Strickland added three rebounds (two offensive), two steals and five assists in her final home match, while Sanders added seven boards, and a steal. The third senior Jessica Lowery added two points and a board while recording her second start of the year.

The Maroon & White finished the season with a win on senior night and will return to action during the upcoming SWAC tournament in Houston, Texas.

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